41^ Lovers Film Festival
LOVERS CELEBRATION/UDO KIER
MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO
BELLI E DANNATI
by Gus Van Sant
Mike (River Phoenix) is a narcoleptic drug addict and hustler in the Seattle underworld with Scott (Keanu Reeves). Scott, son of Portland’s mayor, has chosen street life to spite his hated father, and has an inseparable friend in Mike, who takes care of him. Secretly in love with Scott, Mike is haunted by the mother who abandoned him as a child and remains in a constant search for her. A desperate, Warholian melodrama that unfolds into a road movie, it is a Van Sant‑style adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, with Pasolinian echoes. It is enriched by a surreal and unforgettable cameo by Udo Kier, appearing as a client of the two protagonists. A heartfelt tribute from Lover FF to one of the most iconic character actors in cinema history, who recently passed away.
Biography
film director
Gus Van Sant
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1952, Gus Van Sant made several experimental short films after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design. His feature film debut came with Mala Noche (1985), followed by Drugstore Cowboy (1989), which brought him widespread recognition. He achieved mainstream success with films exploring themes such as homosexuality and adolescence, from My Own Private Idaho (1991) to Good Will Hunting (1997). His later works include the Psycho remake (1998), Elephant (2003), and Milk (2008), starring Sean Penn in his Oscar‑winning role. His latest film, Dead Man’s Wire (2025), is again inspired by a true story.
Cast
& Credits
Montaggio/Editing Curtiss Clayton
Fotografia/Photography John Campbell, Eric Alan Edwards
Scenografia/Production Design David Brisbin
Musica/Music Bill Stafford
Interpreti/Cast River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, Udo Kier, James Russo, William Richert
Produttore/Producer Laurie Parker
