My Own Private Idaho ⁞⁞ Queer Classics

The 1991 Gus Van Sant film My Own Private Idaho presented a unique take on the classic Shakespeare drama Henry IV. Gay hustler Mike (River Phoenix) is living on the streets trying to survive and often hindered by his suffering from narcolepsy which causes him to pass out at any moment. He befriends fellow hustler Scott Favor (Keanu Reeves), who helps put him on track to fulfilling his dream of locating his estranged mother. The two grow closer, as they make their way to Mike's hometown in Idaho, and ultimately to Rome on their search. Mike's drive to find his mother is only matched by his growing dependence on his relationship with Scott, who is revealed to only be living on the street to escape his upper-class home. When Scott returns to his home life with a woman, Mike is left in limbo. While neither Phoenix nor Reeves were gay, the film does feature out German character actor Udo Kier in a big supporting role as Hans, a patron of the boys' sexual services, helping them achieve their Rome trip. 

Queer Classic Film Facts: 

• The film was released two years before River Phoenix's death. It is considered to be a cornerstone of his 11-year Hollywood career.
• Like their characters, Keanu Reeves & River Phoenix were best friends until Phoenix's death.
• The film was written and directed by acclaimed gay director Gus Van Sant, who is known as one of the most prominent voices in queer cinema. 
• The film's often-referenced campfire scene between Mike & Scott was written by River Phoenix himself. Van Sant has called the scene critical to the film's success because it showcased Mike being gay in a natural environment, and not as a victim of homosexuality. It was also the last scene filmed.
  
• For its initial American video release, the video jacket featured both Keanu Reeves & River Phoenix in clinches with women, despite the film's gay theme.
• The film's main characters, Mike & Scott, were based on real street hustlers that Gus Van Sant knew.
• The film's title was taken from the song "Private Idaho" by The B-52s, which was released in 1980. Despite the reference, the song was not used in the film.
• The character of Mike was straight in the original script. When River Phoenix became inspired to play the character as gay, Van Sant rewrote the script to show Mike as a homosexual.
• Keanu Reeves' abdominal scar can be seen in several scenes during the film. The actor was involved in a major motorcycle accident when he crashed into a mountain, leading to the scar. Reeves' character Scott also travels by motorcycle in several scenes of this film.
• Gus Van Sant directed multiple music videos for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Flea is the bassist for the band and co-starred in this film as one of the street hustlers, Budd. Flea was also close friends with River Phoenix.