Review of My Own Private Idaho (1991) by Jerome A — 22 Nov 2007

I literally wanted to slit my wrists after seeing this movie. I don't think I've hated a fictional character this much in so long (Scott) and loved another in so long (Mikey). And this movie would not have been a success had it not been for River Phoenix, I guarantee it! There are just so many good and memorable lines, and the campfire scene was just one of the most real, non-pretentious, down-to-earth things I've ever seen in a film.

RIP River Phoenix, one of the few famous people I still wish were alive. Re-writing the campfire scene was just genius and his talent in its delivery was superb. Yes, the film has its share of wtfs, and I'm not a big fan of the Shakespeare tribute.

But I still love this film, or more specifically, I love River Phoenix's part in the film. "Some people take your heart, others take your shoes, and still others take you home." This tagline is beautiful and symbolically powerful.

I've read the original script and the tagline supports Scott taking Mike home in the end. Then that was changed to his brother/father who wanted to take him home... until finally, the end result was an ambiguous interpretation, and I think that's the most powerful of all.

I think I understand where L.I.E got a bit of its inspiration.