Review of My Own Private Idaho (1991) by Richard T — 23 Feb 2009

I had a very fortuitous day, between Killer of Sheep this morning and Idaho tonight I may not be able to watch another movie for a little while because I'm overdosing on awesome. That is also an exaggeration as my school is screening Bolt tomorrow night at 8 and I am most definitely going to attend.

Still, My Own Private Idaho is one Hell of a film. Apparently it came out in 1991, which I was unable to tell whilst watching it because it just looked so damn good. Part of that, I assume, has to do with Criterion, but the rest seems to be the film's doing, and seeing the amount of professionalism in this film is really great.

The film starts off with a bang, allowing Van Sant to lure the viewer into this world by offering a beautiful scene with only River Phoenix. Phoenix shows great range in the role, and surprisingly is matched by a competent Reeves alongside him most of the time, and it's pretty interesting to see Keanu deliver his more theatrical lines with such vigor.

In fact, Van Sant's overt references to the theater were nice touches that really added a layer of depth to the film and the characters. The camera work was fantastic, disciplined enough when it benefited the film and incredibly free to create such a beautifully languid mood at other times that I truly found myself swept away with what I was watching.

Also, the sex scenes were tastefully shot and were a joy to see flash by in about 30 seconds each, it was a really interesting technique that I think really helped the film stay focused when it could have easily deviated from what it had been doing.

Music was used incredibly in the film as well, not only soundtrack, which was quite impressive on its own, but the score blended seamlessly with the rest of the film, and the use of familiar tunes worked spectacularly well.

Plus the third act is an absolute rush, it is energy packed and insanely enjoyable, and that last sequence is God damned gorgeous. I do not think this is my favorite Van Sant film, and I probably do not think it is his best, but there is a strong case to be made for both and My Own Private Idaho is nothing short of brilliant.

4.899234780231532.