My Own Private Idaho

My Own Private Idaho (1991)

  • 85% of critics liked it
    (34 reviews)

  • 78% of users liked it
    (36,411 ratings)

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… More

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R, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By
Gus Van Sant
Written By
Gus Van Sant
Genres
Art House & International, Drama
In Theaters
Oct 18, 1991 Wide
On DVD
Mar 1, 2005
Fine Line Features

Critic Reviews

  • Variety Staff, Variety

    One of those ambitious, over-reaching disappointments that is more interesting than some more conservative successes.

  • Vincent Canby, New York Times

    The performances, especially by the two young stars, are as surprising as they are sure.

  • Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

    An essential testament to the beauty and chops of the late River Phoenix...

  • Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

    The achievement of this film is that is wants to evoke that state of drifting need, and it does.

  • Desson Thomson, Washington Post

    Even though it falters toward the end, it soars above the fray.

Read all 14 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Tim S


    Gus 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… More

  • Graham J


    Beautifully shot and with great performances, this uneasy story pulls you in. A surprising role by Udo Kier is an extra bonus.

  • ♥˩ƳИИ &


    River 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 powerful… More

  • Conner R


    It'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… More

  • Wahida K


    Some people take your heart, others take your shoes, and still others take you home.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

Cast

See full cast

Trailers & Clips

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