River Phoenix,
Keanu Reeves,
James Russo,
William Richert,
Rodney Harvey
... see more 
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.... read more
Directed by: Gus Van Sant
Release Date: October 18, 1991
Keywords:
road,
keanu reeves,
van sant,
gus van,
river phoenix,
Gus Van Sant,
Keanu Reeves ,
River Phoenix ,
Mike Waters
DVD Release Date: March 1, 2005
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Stats: 1,940 reviews
Your Rating
Flixster Reviews (1,940)
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February 3, 2012Gus Van Sant's My Own Private Idaho is less a film about the physical and more about the spiritual. Loosely based on Shakespeare, it's a beautifully-shot independent film with something to say. I can't really admit that I liked the film all that much. It takes a while to get goin... read more
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October 27, 2011fb1664868775Beautifully shot and with great performances, this uneasy story pulls you in. A surprising role by Udo Kier is an extra bonus.
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April 25, 2010River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, Rodney Harvey, James Russo, Chiara Caselli, Rodney Harvy, Udo Kier, Flea, Michael Parker, Jessie Thomas
DIRECTED BY: Gus Van Sant
Two street hustlers from the Northwest, one abandoned as a child, the other rebellious scion of a wealthy and power... read more -
March 18, 2010It's a movie that is certainly not for everyone, but I feel that it is a complete masterpiece. Sure it's odd at times and extremely different from most mainstream cinema, but that's kind've why I love it so much. The cinematography is so incredibly gripping so that even if you do... read more
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December 16, 2009Some people take your heart, others take your shoes, and still others take you home.
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May 4, 2008Gus Van Sant can sometimes get on my nerves, but this movie makes me love him. So far the best one of his film I've seen.
I've never actually read the Shakespeare play this was inspired by, but I was able to "feel" the Shakespearian character to it... the dialogue is very poe... read more -
July 31, 2007*gasp* So...Keanu Reeves WASN'T horrible in this?! I'm still reeling from the shock. All sarcasm aside, River Phoenix is a total sweetheart and his awesomeness makes me forget that this wasn't that great of a movie. Plus, he's gorgeous.
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July 26, 2007A dreary and lonely movie. River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves are friends and male prostitutes in the Northwest USA. Sad movie, but an interesting journey.
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Critic Reviews
July 3, 2008
Variety Staff, Variety
May 20, 2003
Vincent Canby, New York Times
The performances, especially by the two young stars, are as surprising as they are sure. Full Review
May 12, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
An essential testament to the beauty and chops of the late River Phoenix...
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
The achievement of this film is that is wants to evoke that state of drifting need, and it does. Full Review
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Even though it falters toward the end, it soars above the fray. Full Review
September 17, 2011
Dan Callahan, House Next Door
My Own Private Idaho is a seminal movie for many people. It certainly has been for me. Full Review
January 31, 2007
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
One of Van Sant's best films, a richly dense, poetic evocation of friendhsip that retells Shakespeare's Henry IV in an original and intriguing way; River Phoenix gives his most riveting performance. Full Review
February 9, 2006
Derek Adams, Time Out
The film's uniqueness lies in its remarkable emotional open-heartedness. Full Review
January 25, 2006
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness
A quite stark, poetic rumination on the unyielding desire for home. Full Review
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My Own Private Idaho
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