Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Theatrical Release: 09/29/1991(USA)
Release Date: 03/01/2005
SubTitles: English
Dubbed: English
Sound: DD5.1/DD2
Run Time: 104 Minutes
Flags: Violence, Nudity, Strong Sexual Content, Not For Children, Profanity, Substance Abuse (Alcohol, Drugs)
Distributor/Studio: Criterion

Gus Van Sant's dreamtime riff on Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Parts I and II" features River Phoenix as Mike Waters, a narcoleptic male hustler who is first seen drifting on a stretch of highway in Idaho. Mike shifts from Seattle to Portland, where he has taken up with Scott Favor (Keanu Reeves), who is also a hustler. The difference between them is Mike's sleepy state betrays an uncertain future, while Scott is ready to inherit a fortune from his father within a week. Mike feels a real affection for Scott, but Scott does not believe men can really love each other. Besides, Scott is mostly hustling as a means of slumming and killing time before he inherits his money. Mike, however, delusionally thinks Scott will continue with his life as a drifter after receiving his inheritance. Mike's belief is shared by the dregs of Portland, who live out of an abandoned hotel with their spiritual leader Bob (film director William Richert). They're convinced Scott's fortune will benefit them all, when in reality Scott has other plans.

~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide

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Cast:
River Phoenix - Mike Waters
Keanu Reeves - Scott Favor
James Russo - Richard Waters
William Richert - Bob Pigeon
Rodney Harvey - Gary
Chiara Caselli - Carmella
Jesse Thomas - Denise
Flea - Budd
Grace Zabriskie - Alena

Production:
Gus Van Sant - Director
Laurie Parker Gus Van Sant - Producer
Allan Mindel - Co Producer
Curtiss Clayton - Editor
Gus Van Sant - Screen Writer
Melissa Stewart - Set Designer
Eric Alan Edwards - Cinematographer
John J. Campbell - Cinematographer
Beatrix Aruna Pasztor - Costume Designer
David Brisbin - Production Designer
Ken Hardy - Production Designer
William Shakespeare - Play Author

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1991 Independent Spirit Awards

1991 Venice International Film Festival