In this loose adaptation of Shakespeare's "Henry IV," Mike Waters is a hustler afflicted with narcolepsy. Scott Favor is the rebellious son of a mayor. Together, the two travel from Portland, Oregon to Idaho and finally to the coast of Italy in a quest to find Mike's estranged mother. Along the way they turn tricks for money and drugs, eventually attracting the attention of a wealthy benefactor and sexual deviant.
Acting
River Phoenix's campfire confession—one of cinema's most vulnerable moments.
Cinematography
Time-lapse clouds over Idaho highways that feel like memory itself.
Writing
Van Sant welding Shakespearean dialogue to street hustler poetry.
Director
Gus Van Sant
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
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