My Own Private Idaho
7.1/10
Rating
104 min
Runtime
1991
Release Year
Gus Van Sant
Director
Cast
River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, James Russo, William Richert, Rodney Harvey
Quick Synopsis
Mike Waters, a young hustler struggling with narcolepsy, and Scott Favor, the rebellious son of a Portland, Oregon mayor, embark on a journey together. Their travels take them from Portland to Idaho and eventually to the coast of Italy as they search for Mike's estranged mother. Along the way, they engage in sex work to support themselves, which leads them into encounters with money, drugs, and the interest of a wealthy benefactor with questionable intentions.
Detailed Synopsis of My Own Private Idaho
In this loose adaptation of Shakespeare's "Henry IV," Mike Waters is a hustler afflicted with narcolepsy. Scott Favor is the rebellious son of a mayor. Together, the two travel from Portland, Oregon to Idaho and finally to the coast of Italy in a quest to find Mike's estranged mother. Along the way they turn tricks for money and drugs, eventually attracting the attention of a wealthy benefactor and sexual deviant.
