# My Own Private Idaho (1991) — Celluloid fact sheet

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/movies/my-own-private-idaho-1991/
Last reviewed: 2026-08-26

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 77% |
| Editorial Rating | 82/100 |
| Audience Snapshot | 80% (excluded from composite) |
| Metascore | 77/100 |
| Letterboxd | 3.9/5 |
| IMDb | 7/10 |
| Director | Gus Van Sant |
| Genres | Drama |
| Runtime | 104 min |

## Quick answer

My Own Private Idaho (1991) earns a 77% Celluloid Score — Recommended. Van Sant’s street-hustler Shakespeare — Reeves opposite River Phoenix in an American indie landmark. Metascore 77/100. Directed by Gus Van Sant.

## Celluloid verdict

Van Sant’s street-hustler Shakespeare — Reeves opposite River Phoenix in an American indie landmark.

## Synopsis

In this loose adaptation of Shakespeare's "Henry IV," Mike Waters is a hustler afflicted with narcolepsy. Scott Favor is the rebellious son of a mayor. Together, the two travel from Portland, Oregon to Idaho and finally to the coast of Italy in a quest to find Mike's estranged mother. Along the way they turn tricks for money and drugs, eventually attracting the attention of a wealthy benefactor and sexual deviant.

## Cast

Keanu Reeves, River Phoenix, James Russo, William Richert, Rodney Harvey, Chiara Caselli, Michael Parker, Jessica Makinson, Flea, Grace Zabriskie

## Where to watch

the United Kingdom: HBO Max
Japan: not currently streaming

## Common questions

**Is My Own Private Idaho worth watching?**
My Own Private Idaho holds a 77% Celluloid Score. Van Sant’s street-hustler Shakespeare — Reeves opposite River Phoenix in an American indie landmark.

**What is My Own Private Idaho about?**
In this loose adaptation of Shakespeare's "Henry IV," Mike Waters is a hustler afflicted with narcolepsy. Scott Favor is the rebellious son of a mayor. Together, the two travel from Portland, Oregon to Idaho and finally to the coast of Italy in a quest to find Mike's estranged mother. Along the way they turn tricks for money and drugs, eventually attracting the attention of a wealthy benefactor and sexual deviant.

**Who directed My Own Private Idaho?**
My Own Private Idaho (1991) was directed by Gus Van Sant.

**What is the Celluloid Score of My Own Private Idaho?**
77% — calculated from available Celluloid editorial (82/100), Metascore (77/100), Letterboxd (3.9/5), and IMDb (7/10) inputs. Audience sentiment is excluded.

**Where can I watch My Own Private Idaho?**
My Own Private Idaho is on HBO Max in the United Kingdom. Availability varies by region.

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Reviewed and scored by Celluloid · Editor: Kaiser Khan (https://celluloidscore.com/author/kaiser-khan/)

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