My Own Private Idaho

Directed by Gus Van Sant, "My Own Private Idaho" (1991) is a poignant exploration of friendship and self-discovery. The film stars River Phoenix as Mike Waters, a narcoleptic street hustler, and Keanu Reeves as Scott Favor, the rebellious son of a wealthy family. Together, they embark on a journey from Portland to Idaho and eventually to Italy in search of Mike's estranged mother. Loosely inspired by Shakespeare's "Henry IV" and "Henry V," the film delves into themes of love, identity, and the search for belonging. Phoenix's performance earned him the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival.