Keanu Reeves is one actor who is loved unanimously throughout the Hollywood industry. His range in films has forever been appreciated, but it is also his relationship with other co-stars that makes him even more liked. No matter who gets an opportunity to work with the actor, they are all left with an immense amount of praise for Reeves.
There are times when some films are a risk worth taking, while others that aren’t. One such film that the actor came across convinced him to bring along his late best friend, River Phoenix. There are also times when certain scripts and roles are written with specific actors in mind. My Own Private Idaho was a film where both these cases coincided. However, the former’s manager wasn’t too keen on the idea.
Keanu Reeves Traveled Far and Wide to Bring River Phoenix
Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix talked to Interview Magazine while promoting their film My Own Private Idaho. The film came out during the early days of their careers, making it a risk not many were willing to take. While it wasn’t the first film the duo did together, it was certainly a change of pace.
“We were excited. It could have been like a bad dream—a dream that never follows through because no one commits, but we just forced ourselves into it.”
There were various risks involved in doing the film, even though Gus Van Sant wrote the script for these two actors specifically (via Paper Magazine). So the hesitation of participating in the same was only expected. Although Reeves was on board easily, the same could not be said for Phoenix.
The former then traveled all the way to Phoenix’s family farm to convince the actor to join Reeves. He personally presented the script and tried to get the actor on board.
Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix had One Condition
River Phoenix was hesitant towards doing My Own Private Idaho because his role required him to be a drug-addicted s*x worker. The actor’s agent was against the idea because of how it would have looked for his growing reputation. However, both he and Keanu Reeves decided against the idea and instead made a pact.
“We said ‘OK, I’ll do it if you do it. I won’t do it if you don’t,’” he added. “We shook hands. That was it.”
The duo shook hands on the idea that neither of them would do the film if one of them backed out. So they made a deal accordingly. Such a simple deal led them to a film that was a risk to both their careers.
Their entire goal was to challenge themselves and go ahead of their own limitations. Surpassing what they knew to better themselves as actors. At the end of the day, the movie was well-received by audiences and critics alike.
My Own Private Idaho is available to watch on Apple TV.
