FILM | MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO

I recently re-watched and re-fell-in-love with My Own Private Idaho and of course River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves. Released in 1991, Gus Van Sant's brilliant drama is loosely based on Shakespeare's Henry IV P 1-2, and Henry V. The story follows two hustlers and friends, Mike a narcoleptic with an eventful background and Scott who's rebelled to the darkest levels, who choose to escape their crazy outsider criminal lifestyles in Portland and embark on a journey of personal discovery that takes them to Mike's hometown in Idaho and then on to Italy in search of Mike's mother.


This film amazes, shocks and astounds every time you watch it. I never fail to be amazed every time I re-realise Flea plays the ADHD to the max squatter mad head. There's a  brilliant interview in Interview mag with Reeves and Phoenix that captures the playful, rebellious essence behind making of this touching and highly resonant film. Bottom line is, if you haven't (or even if you have already) I urge you to go watch or re-watch this film and try not to be captivated by one of the best film's of the 90's. Salute you Van Sant!