Tesfa Reviews’s review published on Letterboxd:
A mesmerizing odyssey through the grungy streets and open highways of the Pacific Northwest. Navigating a volatile world of junkies, thieves, and johns, the film follows two best friends: Mike Waters (played superbly by River Phoenix), a narcoleptic gay hustler, and Scott Favor (portrayed by Keanu Reeves), a rebellious young man from a wealthy background. Their journey is one of self-discovery, unrequited love, and life on society’s margins. As they search for an elusive place called home, the film weaves a visually dazzling and thematically groundbreaking narrative that resonates.
The film delves into themes of identity, love, and class divide. Mike yearns for connection, while Scott grapples with his own demons. Their search for belonging becomes our emotional compass.
Van Sant’s lens captures the rawness of the late 1970s bar scene in Portland. The film feels like a documentary, an artifact from a lost era. Sweeping vistas of Idaho blend seamlessly with gritty urban landscapes, immersing us in their world. Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare, the film weaves a fragmented narrative. Avant-garde aesthetics—nonlinear storytelling, dream sequences, and surreal imagery—create an otherworldly atmosphere. It’s a daring dance between reality and reverie.
My Own Private Idaho stands alongside classics like Midnight Cowboy and Paris, Texas. But its avant-garde approach sets it apart.