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My Own Private Idaho
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Synopsis
Gus Van Sant's dreamtime riff on Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Parts I and II" features River Phoenix as Mike Waters, a narcoleptic male hustler who is first seen drifting on a stretch of highway in Idaho. Mike shifts from Seattle to Portland, where he has taken up with Scott Favor (Keanu Reeves), who is also a hustler. The difference between them is Mike's sleepy state betrays an uncertain future, while Scott is ready to inherit a fortune from his father within a week. Mike feels a real affection for Scott, but Scott does not believe men can really love each other. Besides, Scott is mostly hustling as a means of slumming and killing time before he inherits his money. Mike, however, delusionally thinks Scott will continue with his life as a drifter after receiving his inheritance. Mike's belief is shared by the dregs of Portland, who live out of an abandoned hotel with their spiritual leader Bob (film director William Richert). They're convinced Scott's fortune will benefit them all, when in reality Scott has other plans. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide

Cast

Chiara Caselli Carmella
Flea Budd
Rodney Harvey Gary
River Phoenix Mike Waters
Keanu Reeves Scott Favor
James Russo Richard Waters
Jesse Thomas Denise
Grace Zabriskie Alena
William Richert Bob Pigeon

Production Crew

Eric Alan Edwards Cinematographer
John J. Campbell Cinematographer
Allan Mindel Co-producer
Beatrix Aruna Pasztor Costume Designer
Gus Van Sant Director
Curtiss Clayton Editor
William Shakespeare Play Author
Gus Van Sant Producer
Laurie Parker Producer
David Brisbin Production Designer
David Brisbin Production Designer
Ken Hardy Production Designer
Gus Van Sant Screenwriter
Melissa Stewart Set Designer
Year: 1991
Runtime: 105
Country: USA
MPAA Rating: R
for strong sensuality, language and drug use
Category: Feature

Genre
Drama

Color type
Alpha Cine color

Sound
Ultra Stereo

Produced by
New Line Cinema

Release
September 29, 1991 (USA)
by Fine Line Features

Awards
1990 - Best Film - New York Film Critics Circle
1991 - Best Picture - Independent Spirit Award
1991 - Best Picture - Independent Spirit Awards