My Own Private Idaho
My Own Private Idaho (1991) is a film written and directed by Gus Van Sant, loosely based on Shakespeare's Henry IV, part 1.
The film follows two street hustlers (River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves) as they embark on a journey of personal discovery that takes them to Idaho and then to Italy. Reeves's character, built around the character of Falstaff in Shakespeare's play, is the son of the wealthy mayor of Portland and claims his street behavior, which includes prostitution to male clients, is largely rebellion. Phoenix's character, however, is gay, narcoleptic and has no other means of support. The two develop a strong friendship that is tested by Reeves's ambivalence to street life and his forthcoming inheritance, as well as Phoenix's romantic affection for his companion.
My Own Private Idaho , like many arthouse movies, did not enjoy a wide release but did garner its share of critical acclaim, particularly for the photography and the performances by the actors. Critics of the film described the story as weak and meandering, and the ending as unnecessarily ambiguous. Van Sant was also criticized for his mixing of Shakespearean dialogue with more modern vernacular, in lines such as "this bike was caught with much ease." Nevertheless, the film became an instant classic of gay cinema, and a few short years later modern takes on Shakespeare's works were all the rage (with the remake of Romeo & Juliet and Shakespeare in Love, in particular). The performance by Phoenix, which was considered one of the finest of his career, permanently cemented his position as a gay icon.
Other memorable performances in the film include William Richert as a "street tutor", and German actor Udo Kier as an offbeat client. My Own Private Idaho has no direct relation to the song "Your Own Private Idaho" by the B-52's, but Van Sant does thank the group in the end credits.
