My Own Private Idaho

My Own Private Idaho (1991) is a film written and directed by Gus Van Sant, loosely based on Shakespeare's Henry IV, part 1. The film follows two street hustlers (River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves) as they embark on a journey of personal discovery that takes them to Idaho and then to Italy. Reeves's character, built around the title character in the Shakespearean history Henry V, is the son of the wealthy mayor of Portland, Oregon and claims his street behavior, which includes prostitution to male clients, is largely rebellion. Phoenix's character, however, is gay, narcoleptic and has no other means of support. The two develop a strong friendship that is tested by Reeves's ambivalence to street life and his forthcoming inheritance, as well as Phoenix's romantic affection for his companion.

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