My Own Private Idaho

"Wherever, whatever, have a nice day."

Jul 20 1991 R 1h 44m
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.

Plot

Mike Waters lives on the street and befriends the somewhat older and streetwise Scott Favor who shows him what is necessary to survive. Waters suffers from narcolepsy and can fall asleep at any moment and in almost any circumstance. Favor comes from a rich family and is rebelling against his own background. They travel together extensively - Waters is driven by the need to find his biological mother - and spend time in Italy. Later in life however, Favor has joined mainstream society and has little time for his old friend.

Written by

Gus Van Sant, William Shakespeare

Directed by

Gus Van Sant

Cast

River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, James Russo

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Fine Line Features

Languages

Italiano, Deutsch, English

Awards

9 wins & 9 nominations

Trailers
My Own Private Idaho - Trailer (Criterion Remaster)
Scores
# of Votes
66,620
Average Rating
6.9 out of 10
Metascore
77
Popularity
NA