Shattered Family Portrait Thematic Analysis of Two Scenes from My Own Private Idaho
Gus Van Sant’s, My Own Private Idaho (1991), explores the postmodern human condition of generation-x from various angles. ... But above all, My Own Private Idaho is a journey of Mike Waters (River Phoenix). Driven by the universal need for a home and a mother, Mike travels across the globe and dives into the abyss of the illusive American Dream in search of the ‘normal family.’ Therefore, in this essay I will analyze two scenes from My Own Private Idaho that deal with Mike’s search for his lost mother. ... In addition this scene introduces Scott’s character, bringing his slant on the lost family theme of the film as well as establishing him as Mike’s protector and friend. ... The motif of water appears again during Mike’s narcoleptic attacks; for instance, when we see the salmon leaping up river towards the place of its birth – foreshadowing Mike’s journey towards his own origins. Even Mike’s last name – his family name – is Waters. ... In fact Alena brings an Oedipal twist to the story, foreshadowing the abnormalities of Mike’s family. ... When he is carried out by two of his young colleagues, Scott explains Gary about Mike’s medical condition. ... Likewise, the second scene I’d like to discuss deals with the search of home and family. ... This scene not only sheds more light on the abnormality of the Waters’ family but also sets Mike on the search for his lost mother, while Scott becomes a silent observer of the family drama.