Answer to the Blog’s first theme: Film & prompt, “The best film I’ve ever watched”

Thank you to Nawal, who submitted a brilliant response!

You can find Nawal on Letterboxd – nawio

The Film chosen – My Own Private Idaho

Out of the 147 films I’ve ever logged on Letterboxd, there’s a select few which are very dear to me. But if I had to pick a film which was “the best i’ve ever watched”, my mind immediately turns to “My Own Private Idaho” (1991). Regarded by the Criterion Closet as his most “anarchic and, in many ways, ambitious” film, the American adventure drama film written and directed by Gus Van Sant tells the story of two friends, Mike Waters (River Phoenix) snd Scott Favor (Keanu Reeves), as they embark on a journey of self discovery, travelling from Portland, to Mike’s hometown in Idaho, and eventually Rome as they search for Mike’s mother. The film explores queer identity, loneliness, and a sense of belonging, entrancing the viewer as they take them through Mike’s life as a young. gay, narcoleptic sex worker. However, the sole reason I view this film to be “the best I’ve ever watched”, is because of this one scene with Mike and Scott. Huddled by a campfire in the middle of nowhere, Mike and Scott debate the difference between sex and love, of which Scott states that he “only haves sex with a guy for money”, and that “two guys can’t love each other”. Following this, Mike reveals that he “could love someone” even if he wasn’t “paid for it”, then follows with “I love you, and you dont pay me”. The profuse sensitivity in this scene shows Mike’s strong yearn for love, not only highlighting this but also poignantly illustrating the stark contrasts between the character’s ideas of intimacy. Mike’s declaration serves as a moment of vulnerability, providing a rich layer to his character and invites the audience to engage with his emotional turmoil, which is why I view this film as one of “the best films I’ve ever watched”.