My Own Private Idaho

My Own Private Idaho

Year: 1991

Runtime: 104 min

Language: English

Director: Gus Van Sant

DramaRomance

Mike and Scott, two young men, leave Portland on a journey across America, traveling as far as Idaho and Italy. They seek connection and escape as they grapple with hustling, substance abuse, and the complexities of their own identities. Their travels reveal hidden truths and force them to confront the challenges of their lives, searching for purpose and meaning along the way.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – My Own Private Idaho (1991)

Trace every key event in My Own Private Idaho (1991) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Mike's Reflection

Mike stands alone on a barren stretch of highway, contemplating life. He compares the road to a distorted visage, symbolizing his confusion and loss.

Highway
2

Narcoleptic Dream

As Mike continues his introspection, he suddenly experiences a narcoleptic episode. This transports him to a nostalgic dreamscape filled with childhood memories and the warmth of his mother's presence.

3

Return to Seattle

Mike awakens in Seattle and resumes his life as a street hustler. He soon encounters a wealthy woman who invites him to her lavish mansion, where he meets his friend Scott and another hustler named Gary.

Seattle
4

Another Narcoleptic Episode

Just as they prepare for an assignation with the wealthy patron, Mike suffers another narcoleptic attack. Upon waking up the following day, he finds himself in Portland, Oregon, alongside Scott.

Portland
5

Meeting Bob Pigeon

In Portland, Mike and Scott meet Bob Pigeon, a mentor to a group of street kids. This introduction complicates their lives as Bob provides a different perspective on their street existence.

Portland
6

Scott's Retirement Plan

Scott confides in Bob about his impending retirement from street life. At 21, he plans to claim his father's inheritance and leave this world behind, signaling a turning point in his life.

Portland
7

Journey to Idaho

Feeling a strong longing for his mother, Mike convinces Scott to travel to Idaho to visit his older brother, Richard. This journey represents both a physical and emotional quest for Mike.

Idaho
8

Conflicted Feelings

During the road trip, Mike reveals his romantic feelings for Scott. However, Scott gently rejects him, stating he views their encounters only in terms of financial gain, adding complexity to their friendship.

On the road to Idaho
9

Reunion with Richard

Mike's reunion with his brother Richard is tense and strained. Their conversation unearths family truths, especially regarding their father's identity, revealing the rifts in their family relationships.

Idaho
10

Finding their Mother

When Mike and Scott visit their mother at work, they learn she has left for Italy. This discovery deepens Mike's sense of loss and longing for the family he never truly understood.

Idaho
11

Trip to Italy

With financial help from Hans, Mike and Scott head towards Italy, in search of answers about Mike's past. They hope to uncover the mysteries surrounding their family and find closure.

Italy
12

The Picturesque Farmhouse

In Italy, Mike visits a farmhouse where his mother once worked. There, he learns that she had already returned to the US months ago, intensifying his heartbreak and craving for closure.

Italy
13

Love and Loss

While Scott finds love with Carmela, Mike is left feeling isolated and heartbroken. This highlights the contrasting paths of the characters and the complexities of their relationships.

14

Bob's Heart Attack

Back in Portland, Bob suffers a heart attack, marking a tragic end for the once vibrant mentor of street kids. His passing serves as a stark reminder of life's fragility and the challenges they all face.

Portland
15

Diverging Paths

At Bob's raucous funeral, Scott stands somberly at his father's grave, reflecting on the grief and decisions that now define their lives. The contrasting funerals highlight the diverging paths of their journeys.

Portland

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 10:53

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My Own Private Idaho Summary

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My Own Private Idaho Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in My Own Private Idaho

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Characters, Settings & Themes in My Own Private Idaho

More About My Own Private Idaho

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