River Phoenix
Michael "Mike" Waters
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Drama
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.
Top Billed Cast
| Release Date | 1991-02-01 |
|---|---|
| Runtime | 1h 44m |
| Directors | Gus Van Sant, David Minkowski, Phred Palmer, Eric Alan Edwards, John J. Campbell, D-J Haanraadts, Kris Krengel, John O. Brown III |
| Producers | Anthony Brand, Laurie Parker, Allan Mindel |
| Writers | Gus Van Sant, William Shakespeare |
Shakespeare meets street hustlers in a plot loosely inspired by Shakespeare's Henry IV part 1, Henry IV part 2 & Henry V. The film is both humorous and profound with River Phoenix's (Mike) shining & Keanu Reeves (Scott) also starring alongside some very memorable characters (Hans, Bob).
I think it's probably of the best LGBT Films/ depictions of LGBT characters in film, & deservedly considered a cult classic. The offbeat film's authentic style coupled with its compelling, drifting story, make My own Private Idaho a must watch nearly 30 years after release.
— WilsonWatches