Movies - My Own Private Idaho

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	Movies - 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 title character in the Shakespearean history Henry V, is the son of the wealthy mayor of Portland, Oregon 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. 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" named Bob based on Shakespeare's character Falstaff, and German actor Udo Kier as an offbeat client. My Own Private Idaho has no direct relation to the song "Private Idaho" by the B-52's, but Van Sant does thank the group in the end credits.

In 2005, the film was cleaned and remastered by the Criterion Collection. It was released on a 2-disc DVD set. The second disc features new interviews, outtakes and more information about the movie. This dvd set is accompanied by a lavishly illustrated 64-page-booklet featuring previously published articles and interviews with cast and crew and new essays by JT LeRoy and film critic Amy Taubin; furthermore a 1991 article by Lance Loud, and reprinted interviews with director Gus Van Sant, River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves.

Cast

River Phoenix
.... Mike Waters

Keanu Reeves
.... Scott Favor

James Russo .... Richard Waters

William Richert .... Bob Pigeon

Rodney Harvey .... Gary

Chiara Caselli .... Carmella

Michael Parker .... Digger

Jessie Thomas .... Denise

Flea ... Budd

Grace Zabriskie
.... Alena

Tom Troupe .... Jack Favor

Udo Kier
.... Hans

Sally Curtice .... Jane Lightwork

Robert Lee Pitchlynn .... Walt

Mickey Cottrell .... Daddy Carroll

Wade Evans .... Wade

Matthew Ebert .... Coverboy (as Matt Ebert)

Scott Patrick Green
.... Coverboy/Cafe Kid

Tom Cramer .... Coverboy

Vana O'Brien .... Sharon Waters

Shaun Jordan .... Cafe Kid

Shawn Jones .... Cafe Kid

George Conner .... Bad George

Oliver Kirk .... Indian Cop

Stanley Hainsworth .... Dirtman (as Stanley Hainesworth)

Joshua Halladay .... Baby Mike

Douglas Tollenen .... Little Richard

Steven Clark Pachosa .... Hotel Manager (as Stephen Clark Pachosa)

Lannie Swerdlow .... Disco Manager

Wally Gaarsland .... Rock Promoter

Brian Wilson .... Rock Promoter (as Bryan Wilson)

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for My Own Private Idaho ]

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Movies - My Own Private Idaho

Cast

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