My Own Private Idaho

Snubbed: River Phoenix 

Dir. Gus Van Sant. 1991, U.S. 102 mins. DCP. With River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, William Richert, James Russo, Udo Kier. Phoenix had already received an Oscar nomination for Running on Empty, and his performance in Van Sant’s queer independent breakout won Best Actor at the Independent Spirit Awards, the National Society of Film Critics, and the Venice Film Festival. The only excuse for his Oscar omission: too gay? As Mike, a narcoleptic street hustler secretly in love with his best friend, Scott (Reeves), the rebellious son of a wealthy family, Phoenix gives a performance of overwhelming poignancy, providing the strong emotional core for a movie populated by oddballs and derelicts. Van Sant’s film cemented Phoenix as an icon just two years before his tragic death. 

NOTE: The February 18 screening will take place in the Bartos Screening Room.

Tickets: $15 / $11 senior and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / discounted for MoMI members ($7–$11). Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission. Review safety protocols before your visit.