Gus Van Sant's script, inspired by Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part I," is a fairly interesting updating of the classic tale. In what has become his "legendary, signature" performance, River Phoenix delivers a fascinating character study. Keanu Reeves ably supports Phoenix in this subculture setting of various street denizens on Portland, Oregon. Van Sant certainly set a challenge for himself in attempting this modern retelling, and he seems considerably more comfortable as director than as writer. Since this film was made, Reeves has gone on to do some more ambitious work.
Review of My Own Private Idaho
