Gus Van Sant’s second feature is a clear example of an artist trying to find his voice. The film is part realistic drama, part contemporized version of Shakespeare’s HENRY IV as well as some flares of whimsy.
Mike Waters (River Phoenix, STAND BY ME) is a narcoleptic prostitute, who comes from a poor, turbulent family. His best friend is Scott Favor (Keanu Reeves, BILL & TED’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE), another male hustler, who isn’t really gay, but uses sex for its power and rebelliousness. Scott comes from a rich and powerful family and will inherit a fortune when he turns 21.
Mike’s story is told naturally, but Scott’s story is told through the poetry of Shakespeare. The tone swifts are abrupt and don’t mix well, creating a bit of a disjointed feel throughout the film. It keeps the audience at a distance. Scott is supposed to love his street mentor Bob (William Richert, THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK) more than his own father, but we never have an emotional connection to their relationship.
However, the emotional power of Mike's tale is engaging enough to make us care what happens to these characters. There’s a fireside scene between Mike and Scott that is touching and sad at the same time. If the entire film were as good as that one scene, the film would be a genuine classic.
The movie does a good job of showing the meandering lives of male prostitutes. One moment they’re in Portland than Idaho than Rome. Phoenix’s performance is extremely strong and Reeves holds his own.
So in the end the film is two films in one. Mike’s movie works really well, but Scott’s weaker tale brings the film down. However, with great camera work and performances, the film still works enough that it’s worth seeing. Van Sant made his best films working with more traditional scripts on DRUGSTORE COWBOY and GOOD WILL HUNTING. Now he’s back to more experimental work in the wonderful GERRY and ELEPHANT. Those two films display the same willingness to take risks, but also display a more mature and focused filmmaker. MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO isn’t a masterpiece, but in taking risks it isn’t boring and displays the talents of a filmmaker on the rise.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
