Review of My Own Private Idaho (1991) by Jason D — 25 Nov 2009

My Own Private Idaho is the story of two street hustlers/gigolos, the late River Phoenix as an abandoned, lost narcoleptic and Keanu Reeves as a wealthy rebel from a powerful family, who are best friends that go in search for Phoenix's missing mother (Grace Zabriskie).

This synopsis is very short in comparison to the movie as a whole which also showcases the world of street hustlers, their business, and their gatherings amongst each other. There's a clear array of homosexuality that is prevelant throughout this film, which is probably the biggest reason for how tragically this gem is overlooked (though movie executives did ignorantly try to mask it with an ambiguous cover back in the day).

Aside from the ignorant "taboo" label of homosexuality, director Gus Van Sant paints a real somber and eloquent portrait of two misguided best friends, one of whom loves the other, but as the movie moves along, so does, their relationship slowly drift apart, and the quest for the missing mother almost becomes trivial.

Along the way, there are some tongue-in-cheek, humorously delivered parts, mainly between all of the hustlers who congregate under a prophetic leader (William Richert) in scenes where lines straight out of Shakespeare's Henry IV Part 1 and Part 2 (probably the highlight of the film).

Aside from that, a lot of familiar faces show up here and there throughout the movie, including often overlooked James Russo (as Phoenix's estranged father), Udo Kier (a prim and proper customer to the hustlers), Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea (a fellow hustler), and James Caviezel (in a blink and you'll miss him role as a airline clerk).

Overall, a great indie flick with great performances. This definitely deserves its Criterion Classic label.