My Own Private Idaho
Seen it?1991 | 104 min | Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), it drew serious awards attention and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved The Place Beyond the Pines, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 44 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect drug use.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.0 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Venice award: Venice Film Festival: Volpi Cup for Best Actor. Won 1 PGA Award: Producers Guild of America Awards: Best Actor. Won 3 Independent Spirit Awards: Independent Spirit Awards: Best Male Lead, Independent Spirit Awards: Best Screenplay, Independent Spirit Awards: Best Film Music. Also nominated for 1 more Venice award and 3 more Independent Spirit Awards. Plus 4 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$8 million worldwide on a $3 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 435K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Place Beyond the Pines Saturday SpecialAnother heist drama, and a Saturday Special.
There Will Be Blood
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Uncle Frank
Weeknight WatchAnother road-trip drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Rebel Without a Cause Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Moonlight Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Gus Van Sant
- River PhoenixMike Waters
- Keanu ReevesScott Favor
- James RussoRichard Waters
- William RichertBob Pigeon
- Rodney HarveyGary
- Chiara CaselliCarmella
- Michael ParkerDigger
- Jessica MakinsonDenise
- FleaBudd
- Grace ZabriskieAlena