My Own Private Idaho Reviews
Slant Magazine
My Own Private Idaho might be the perfect cinematic time capsule for '90s aimlessness, universal in its details.
Full Review
| Original Score: 4/4
Empire Magazine Australasia
Van Sant photographs the story in his trademark dreamy-surreal style, fusing elements of Warhol with the classic American road movie, and interpreting the Western as the refuge of society's maligned fringe.
Full Review
| Original Score: 5/5
House Next Door
My Own Private Idaho is a seminal movie for many people. It certainly has been for me.
Top Critic
One of those ambitious, over-reaching disappointments that is more interesting than some more conservative successes.
EmanuelLevy.Com
One of Van Sant's best films, a richly dense, poetic evocation of friendhsip that retells Shakespeare's Henry IV in an original and intriguing way; River Phoenix gives his most riveting performance.
Full Review
| Original Score: A-
The film's uniqueness lies in its remarkable emotional open-heartedness.
Lessons of Darkness
A quite stark, poetic rumination on the unyielding desire for home.
Full Review
| Original Score: B
Apollo Guide
Works as a brilliant piece of art, and entertainment.
Full Review
| Original Score: 93/100
Creative Loafing
Homosexual road movie that espouses the family values of a Disney feature and the pop art sensibilities of a Warhol piece - with a dose of Shakespeare added for good measure.
Full Review
| Original Score: 3/4
Filmcritic.com
a high-water mark in '90s independent film
Full Review
| Original Score: 4.5/5
Juicy Cerebellum
Bittersweet, considering the fate of Phoenix.
| Original Score: 3/5
TV Guide's Movie Guide
Van Sant casts a gently hypnotic spell that is not easily forgotten.
Full Review
| Original Score: 4/4
