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My Own Private Idaho (1991)
Probably Van Sant's best work to current date. It's a non-literal remake of Shakespeare's Henry IV in a drug saturated, homosexual hustling environment. The film follows two boys, one a narcoleptic drifter and the other the son of a rich politician, who sell themselves off as male prostitutes. They go from day to day without any real idea of what is going to happen in the future; as long as they have a little cash and a place to say they are content.
Taking these roles was a very brave thing for River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves to do, and our hats are off to them. At the time this film was made they were considered major teenage heartthrobs and these parts could have really hurt their careers. But they pulled each off amazingly and earned a great deal of respect. (Written and directed by Gus Van Sant)
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