My Own Private Idaho

This movie isn't about being, or even about being a hustler. "My Own Private Idaho" is about finding a home. In his finest performance, River Phoenix plays Mike, a narcoleptic street hustler with false memories of a terrific childhood. Mike wants to find his mother and family, but how or why he left them is never discussed. This is a movie that shows life at the lowest rung, and is very similar to Kerouac's "On the Road" and especially John Rechy's "City of Night." (In fact the line about becoming a fairy is straight from "City of Night"). Mike and Scott (Keanu Reeves) are both male prostitutes in Oregon. Why either of them have drifted into this profession is anyone's guess. Scott is clearly not gay, but Mike might be and their relationship is what holds the movie together. The film works on many levels, but does have its flaws. It's faux-Shakespearen scenes make the film drag in the middle. Van Sant directed the movie like a dream, which is what Mike's life basically is.

This is a haunting and very sad tale about friendship and finding a home. The performances, especially Phoenix and Udo Kier and Van Sant's dream-like direction are what you remember. "My Own Private Idaho" may be a flawed film, but in my opinion, it is one of the very best of the '90's.

I watched this film because I enjoyed Drugstore Cowboy and To Die For. As this film was also made by Van Sant before he fell off and made Good Will Hunting and psycho- I was looking forward to an off-kilter ride through rent-boy land. What I got was in fact one of my favourite films, and certainly one of the most under-rated American independent films in recent history.

My Own Private Idaho has a kind of grimy transcendentalism that almost touches wong-kar-wai territory. The camera swaggers and frames with a touch that the cameraman must have been born with- the exposure always beautiful. Top marks to the DOP. Another revelation is the dialogue- sometimes playing on the Shakespearian themes that riddle the plot- itself sometimes works its way into a psuedo Shakespearian grandeur (look at the scenes with Bob in them). Another touch is the acting- fantastic performances from all concerned especially as it has been noted before River P. But lets not forget Reeves here- he also plays a fantastic part.

But please, regardless of what I have just said- please do not expect much (as I did not) and then you may emerge from the viewing amazed and glad that you had dedicated your time to this gifted film-maker (like I did).

My Own Private Idaho is flimsy, unconvincing and wildly overrated. Although it is a film worth watching, for River's performance if nothing else, its accredited greatness is no more than a wishfully constructed social myth.

I wish I could say how truly remarkable the film is, but to be honest it lacks substance, it leaves you yearning for something more…I think much of the talent in the film is unexploited to its best potential and the dialogue, in its second half, written in a kind of impromptu, mock Shakespeare, is devoid of any magic.

Overall the film is watch-able and has some great shots, like that at the beginning where the viewer joins Mike (River Phoenix) toward the end of a blow-job he's receiving from a john; when he comes the image of an entire house being dropped onto a desolate highway charges the screen.It's sad and beautiful, and, is a perfect statement on Mike's yearning for a home he never had.

Gus Van Sant, truly one of the best directors in this century, has a visionary eye that enables audiences to see life in a different/new way. In this case he takes Henry IV- usually overshadowed by Henry V, and turns it in to a heart wrenching tale that modern audiences can appreciate. The visual pictures that get layered on and on and on our eyeballs are like dance steps carefully plotted. The use of lesser known actors is refreshing, and the chemistry between River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves is overwhelming. This is a must see for any lover of independent films, for any person tired of predictable plots, or for anyone who wants to open their heart to vulnerable characters and love them. This movie gets you involved.

Overall, this is a very artsy movie with a unique vibe. It has an interesting plot and main character, and it does have some vague elements of caring for others, and watching others succeed. But, the acting is... strange. It feels disconnected and it hard to understand what's going on at quite a few moments because of the dialogue. Good for if you want a taste of very artistic movies of the 90s.