My Own Private Idaho (1991) - Campfire Scene

Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix directed by Gus Van Sant.

[@rileyprovins3418]

"For me ,.. I could love someone even if I wasn't paid for it." "I love you and... you don't pay me.."

[@gothboyclique6762]

My heart is broken. He's so soft..

[@isakcardamon3390]

I am heartbroken :(

[@rw8733]

Such a great scene. 😢

[@azaka3720]

and the fact River improvised this whole scene and added this specific line all by himself...

[@almancoscolluela91]

Such a good quote in the movie!. This is a very good road movie for people to see and do and realize that life is precious and live life to the fullest. #PeaceOut

[@1004jinji]

i love how river sounds so fragile and soft in here..

[@dddila]

It's an asmr

[@johannarose8466]

He was so cute...

[@dawntavishflynn8802]

It's even better when you realize he improvised the entire scene

[@travis6694]

sya you ever watched his interviews? He sounds soft and fragile

[@rw8733]

Truly great acting from both. 😢

[@yepisuredolikecats3979]

This really feels like a conversation two people could have naturally

[@ElenaXscapeJackson]

I had this conversation... and we huged too. It was really sad. It was a really really sad sad sad moment for me and for her.

[@lb2229]

Yes!

[@siennadesai4811]

the beauty of acting

[@claudiabatlle7344]

river improvised a good part of it

[@scottcastellucci5186]

No, not in real life, too much arrogance and judging.

[@1004jinji]

this is the prettiest scene ever i just want the whole dialogue to be tattoed on my forehead

[@JustinJaiC.]

Overly dramatic much?

[@zlbxue]

I’m crying but this comment made me laugh

[@milan3773]

me too :(

[@AdaraB]

Lol

[@hanglipoayob2107]

😂

[@phoebeau161]

So touching...and tragic...the way he holds himself after realising that scott doesnt feel the same way about him

[@Kaylart]

T-T and the way scott just comforted him and not shunned him show how strong the bond they have for one another. BEAUTIFUL!!!!

[@phoebeau161]

"I love you though...you know that...i do love you" ahhh just gets me every time...its just so heartbreaking

[@sashabrown1796]

He embodied the real life Mike to an insane degree. What a lost talent.

[@brod7501]

He came back for him at the end of the movie. He really loved him...

[@marcrobson6157]

# #musesareheard

[@gregjohnson1247]

This scene is synonymous with a lot of young gay men, the vocalisation of these feelings.... it’s so heavy on the heart.

[@alejandromolinac]

Funny..... You come to South Florida and the Miami Area.... The Gay neighborhoods are full of these types of boys.... Often living off of wealthy, older, repugnant, snarky queens.... And they are often these archetypes.... The ones who are just leeching off resources and the ones who are alone in the world....

[@trevclark9840]

Greg, you nailed it with this comment. There is a heart-breaking longing that a lot of young gay guys have that they feel they can't speak about out loud. How many gay guys have wanted to have that same conversation with someone they care about, even though they know it won't be reciprocated? Just to say it before they burst.

[@gregjohnson1247]

Trev Clark This is reminiscent of something I said a few years ago when I was 17, that’s why it rings so true! ‘Call me by your name’ touches on this in a scene where the mother talks about an old German tale, however the ending is far more romantic & optimistic. I feel emotions rival dignity in moments like these, a ‘burst’ is a perfect way to describe it.

[@trevclark9840]

@@gregjohnson1247 That's so well put. You're really wise and thoughtful at young age. Love that!

[@gregjohnson1247]

Trev Clark thank you, very kind of you 🥰

[@anthonyramirez388]

Who would turn down River? I mean... It’s River...Phoenix...most beautiful of beautifuls.

[@sammysweetheart8600]

right? a bitch would neverrr lol

[@ldavis8980]

I mean, Keanu Reeves gave him a run for his money.

[@Clau574]

I know right...

[@paolaramirez5901]

Fuck yeah... he’s just.. GOD I don’t have words to describe him. But HOW I LOVE HIM

[@percyhendrix2897]

Penny for my thot we aren’t making anyone gay, dude lol

[@NellyNutmeg]

River wrote this scene.

[@Kaylart]

Really???

[@phoebeau161]

^^^Such a good decision tbh

[@ashikana21]

And Mike pretends to not be hurt by what Scott says, even though River wrote those words for him to say.

[@MemoriesInMonochrome]

Are you serious????

[@TT-hl5ql]

@@NellyNutmeg exactly

[@LowlaDee]

Interestingly, this scene was actually written by River Phoenix himself on a piece of paper while on set. Amazing talent ✨

[@LordGreystoke]

Where did you read this? You're saying it originally was not part of the screenplay?

[@deaththekid5445]

@@LordGreystoke nope it was improvised/made by him, i think improv was prevalent

[@azaka3720]

@@LordGreystoke no, it was improvised by river. I'm pretty sure the director said it in an interview, you can search it up :)

[@gerryfromthevoid8986]

Damn, he made it so real.

[@zeamitakemitsu7592]

Writing something on a piece of paper on set is still improvisation. This is similar to a lead sheet in jazz music.

[@simonboccanegra3811]

Possibly the greatest single scene of a short, brilliant career. Whenever I hear his name, I think about the campfire and that muttered "I love you, though." We can mourn what was lost but also be grateful for what endures, in My Own Private Idaho, Running on Empty, The Mosquito Coast, Stand by Me...movies being discovered now by people who were not even alive when they were released.

[@blanchefan]

Beautifully said, Simon--thank you-- :)

[@robertpinto9217]

I watched Stand By Me a handful of times growing up. Over the past year I have been priviledged to experience many of River Phoenix films including My Own Private Idaho, The Thing Called Love, Running On Empty, and Dogfight. The way he he brought so much energy to his roles is astounding to me. He was a natural, very talented and brilliant. His legacy will live on forever.

[@Josh-kt6jh]

It’s heart warming to see this many people feeling this way about river. I can almost guarantee that rivers happy and proud despite being annoyed about how short his life was.

[@yneshAshanti]

I watched most of his movies few years ago during uni. He's incredible. It's sad he didn't make it.

[@kianaadams2852]

I want even thought of when Rivers was around and I discovered him a few months ago. And I am in love with his movies and his music as well, his voice was so southing. RIP River Phoenix 🙏😪

[@ryoya25mizuno]

"I love you and... you don't pay me." He just needed someone who loves him and wants nothing in return.

[@maruramal]

It hurts

[@azaka3720]

💔 mike deserved better

[@maebandy]

Like an abused child that wants to be loved without waiting to be used.

[@cierra7246]

I've always wondered about Scott's true feelings for Mike. I know that he loved him deeply as a friend, and it may have stopped there. But I can't help but wonder if maybe Scott reciprocated some of Mike's romantic feelings as well. He has so many moments of being tender with him, and the way he holds him after Mike admits his love rather than trying to push him away is so intimate.

[@hommegirl]

africkso so funny how you only wrote your comment a week ago and many people liked it already. i seriously thought I would be the only one who keeps going back to this video

[@clairemarz775]

hey lolita omg same

[@mads3622]

Lmao not a Loki stan haha In the original ending it was his brother who picked him up in the end but Gus Van Sant took it out because it missed his point he was trying to make (which was that family isn’t just your relatives) and left it up for interpretation (however i would like to think it was scott in the car and they just went back to living on the streets).

[@444sun]

Isnt this scene from mike's narcoleptic dream

[@emmawaterfield7338]

@@mikaelgonzales6940 I was reading it and I realised the conversation that they have next to the fireside is quite different in this, maybe they changed the script later?

[@edenshaeffer8736]

Keanu NEEDS to play more dramatic roles, in my opinion, he’s more well known for his action roles but he is so well suited for drama.

[@ycon05]

I strongly agree.

[@nuriadelavega3260]

Yes, I agree

[@ansleyguyton6357]

You mean to tell me Bill and Ted is *not* the heartwarming tale of two *megafoxyawesomehot* guys traveling through time and discovering their love for one another?

[@jungshin87]

His soul is actually more goofy comedy like bill and Ted.

[@catwoman8861]

Agreed. He’s so great in action movies but I feel like asshole critics have made him think he’s not got the chops to play the dramatic stuff so he tends to avoid it and that pisses me off royally. He’s superb. His understated gentility is perfect.

[@yourdad3078]

“I love you and..you don’t pay me” river sounds so broken when he says that like he’s about to bust into tears

[@echolot]

eerie how freaking good river is

[@brabbit3389]

echolot he’s incredible, the best

[@Iceis_Phoenix]

River was a method actor. He became the characters he played. Dangerous.

[@dominicadominique2191]

@@Iceis_Phoenix he was sooo good but man it's heartbreaking, because of that, we lost him

[@shijutu]

Literally so mad and sad that he passed away... Especially so young and in such a horrible way. He had so so much more to give... may he rest in peace.

[@essence7951]

In my opinion Keanu made this scene so real even more He definitly played his life time role I mean I just felt every expression and every emotion was so true and accurate It almost felt he was no acting This was heavenly unnatural role

[@TonyReznik]

dude when he said COME HERE MIKE i really was waiting for them to kiss but oh my gosh this breaks me apart

[@PhantomTales]

dont be gay lol

[@thefuckisgoingon]

Phantom Tales are you 10 or what, grow up

[@PhantomTales]

@@thefuckisgoingon I didn't know how gay this scene was iv never seen the movie before.

[@alishbaasad7081]

Yeah i fucking cried when Scott said "i fell in love I'm "sorry"

[@Brothisisprivate]

If you want to feel good in the cuts scene they kissed 😔😭❤

[@karolinaflores3872]

4:03 he looks like he’s trying to give himself a hug

[@vavacadoz]

A self hug, which is a self-soothing mechanism

[@jillmayer9501]

River is amazing here - obviously. But Keanu plays off him so well. It’s perfect

[@molly6970]

“I love you and...you don’t pay me.” One of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever seen😭💘

[@Trappedintheclosetchapter1]

As a gay man I can understand the pain rivers character is probably going through. Very touching

[@toddthing]

As a straight man too...

[@Trappedintheclosetchapter1]

V eesel deadass tho smh straight ppl always gotta butt in

[@oli4552]

@@toddthing I really don't know if you can quite understand.. I'm privileged to live in a time and place where I don't have to experience this to the same degree that is portrayed here, but being surrounded by men who would never love you back, and being too afraid to admit your feelings because they probably could never feel the same as you and they might hate you for it is pretty awful. You try your best not to get involved but you think secretly maybe just maybe they could be interested. And then you get your heart broken. You suffer in silence, they leave your life because you never had the courage to say anything, or you do and they don't feel that way about you and sometimes even cut you off.

[@_cherry_5027]

I was going to like and then I saw your reply..

[@timidkitten1709]

@@Trappedintheclosetchapter1 But why the hostility? As a straight woman, I also find it very touching. Emotions are human and there's something called empathy. Besides, consider that, although Scott is probably straight and doesn't reciprocate Mike's feelings (or so he wants to think) he chooses to stay with and care for him anyway, which wasn't an easy task. He even accepts to cuddle with him and show him some tenderness when he needed it most instead of just pushing him away, and that's a huge part of the beauty in this scene and story.

[@Iceis_Phoenix]

Sweet River would be 49 it's like he hasn't left us. His spirit still lives on and on....

[@natl5692]

Might sound insensitive But how did he die?

[@Iceis_Phoenix]

@@natl5692 he was given a fatal drink. John Frushiante from the Red Hot Chili Peppers gave it to him after River drank it he got violently sick and John never call 911. Truth. Justice has yet to prevail and John has never apologized. In fact he said River never wanted to be here. Some friend huh.

[@aslan9334]

😭

[@lisa_m3x.]

He will always be with us .

[@kenjackben]

it almost seems as if they're not acting at all

[@missbecky88]

I mean they're kind of not. They were deeply in each other's orbits for a when. Platonic soul mates. In a sense they were in love, just probably not romantic. They were romeo and juliet

[@JulietLarsen]

This scene makes me want to cry...it perfectly embodies queer love and the longing and pain that comes with rejection. River's tenderness is so heartbreaking. This movie is just amazing

[@annalisavajda252]

I think it's difficult for the friend who is not mutually attracted too having to worry you will lose a valuable relationship because you don't want to sexualized it and they do. People say men and women can't be friends for that reason too but it happens sometimes in same sex friendships and other male female friends can just be friends too you just love them more like a sibling than a boyfriend girlfriend. Sure people feel bad for Mike and his unrequited love but it's sad for both knowing they don't want the same thing.

[@B_addie]

@@annalisavajda252Yes if the River was coming from a sexual standpoint like if he was making comments solely about Mike in a sexual way, but here it’s all romantic and he’s making it clear that it’s not just a physical attraction. So I don’t feel like it’s the same as a male friend wanting to sleep with a female friend it’s more like a male friend having a longstanding crush on a woman and she just shrugs it off because she sees him as a brother. They’re both painful but one is a lot more emotionally charged.

[@the3spirit]

Before "Brokeback", before the gay romantic comedies of late 1990s and early 2000s, here is this film from 1991, absolutely beautiful and ahead of its time.

[@aaliyahstark7948]

xxaleenazxx it’s actually quite literally ahead of its time. About 10+ years ahead

[@ishipgays3208]

thats the feeling of never being good enough or even enough

[@Iceis_Phoenix]

I struggle with that feeling. Bad.

[@toddjeffrey1772]

It changes you forever. I like to think one day it makes you stronger than you ever thought you could be after spending so much time in weakness because of it.

[@maebandy]

That's the feeling of being trained to fill up someone else's cup before your own. No one ever has enough to fill two people up. If you fill someone else there is always that nagging that they'll leave with everything you gave them. But if everyone fills themselves then the relationship is only about enjoying what the other has not providing it or desperately trying to regain it.

[@TheJd202]

i really think this scene just reflects how much they loved each other irl too.. such a beautiful bond! the way they talked about each other in interviews and the closeness they had.. you’d be lucky to find someone like that

[@dreamthedream8929]

Thats all great but considering that its kind of strange that Keanu is not closer to his brother! I dont think that they even hang out together! Keanu never even mentions him! Why? Its weird. Phoenix is one of the greatest actors alive today and they should get together and make a movie. Another Reeves and Phoenix movie! Wouldnt that be great?

[@mehroshabid8007]

@@dreamthedream8929 ....... River died in 1993..

[@dreamthedream8929]

@@mehroshabid8007 you dont understand. Reeves should get together with Phoenix to make a movie. It would be another Reeves and Phoenix movie then.

[@pikypix4852]

@@dreamthedream8929 Do you mean with Joaquin Phoenix? I'm not sure that they are that good of friends, I mean even if Keanu was good friends with River doesn't mean he was friends with his brother as well. Regardless, not making a movie together doesn't reflect on their (lack of) friendship, because they are both private people who simply don't wish to discuss things so personal in depth, in public. We should respect that. I would actually love a movie starring both actors but that would probably only attract attention to their mutual link, River, and they would be questioned about that instead of the movie.

[@dreamthedream8929]

@@pikypix4852 yeah its kind of strange and dissapointing that Keanu is not friends witn Joaquine. After all he was his brother! And he is one of the best actors around today. He never even talks about him or mentions him.

[@revelation4311]

when it came to such complex character portrayal, river was downright incredible. he inspires me in so many ways, every single day. acting, veganism, environmentalism, activism, etc... he’s been the one person who i look up to when it comes to all of these wonderful things. im just so tremendously thankful for him.

[@dreamthedream8929]

Well his brother is still doing all those things and going strong. Check it out! Phoenix is also one of the greatest actors alive today!

[@hangry265]

Didn’t he overdose? How can you take his preachiness? Seems a bit phony.

[@b4nxia]

@@hangry265 People are more than their deaths. Read up about what he did before dying before narrowing his entire life down to one tragedy.

[@TheConorsmithusa]

Fuck veganism shit. It is a cult unless u didn't know that

[@anthonycampos8057]

Keanu learned of Rivers death on the set of Speed. That must've been devastating.

[@Robsav-yx6vi]

Ouch . So so sad . That sudden loss . Poor guy

[@anthonycampos8057]

@@Robsav-yx6vi River was his best friend. It was devastating.

[@misswendyjane4992]

He said it was why he pulled away from the drug scene and has said Rivers death might have saved his own.

[@shizukagozen777]

@@misswendyjane4992 What ? Keanu used to do drugs ??

[@misswendyjane4992]

@@shizukagozen777 Yes but he said after River died it was a wake up call and he stopped.

[@televisionaccount8442]

I connect to this scene on a very personal level. I’m disabled and gay like Mike in this movie, so it’s very hard for me to find love. Everyone I’ve ever expressed my feelings to has either immediately rejected me or has taken advantage of my helplessness. I wish Mike had someone that really loved him, and I hope I find someone that cherishes me as much as Keanu and River cherished each other.

[@stephaniel2850]

River just had this uncanny ability to take scenes like this and make them feel so intimate and real that as a viewer it almost feels like you are really intruding on someone's private moment. I think it probably came down to how uniquely soulful he was, both as an actor and as a person, and what an amazing gift that was that he gave to the world, even if it was cut far too short

[@junaki3430]

Damn this movie literally jumped to my all time favorite. Mike had nothing at the end of this movie and that hurts; no family, no real friends and like salmon traveling back up river he ends back up on that on road in Idaho as he came. This scene particularly hurts being that their are soooo many times I have felt like I was in Mike's shoes, albeit I am not a gay hustler.

[@kristinesmart24]

You're not alone. If not now, there is one true love coming to you.

[@common_sense_supreme]

One of the strongest performances in cinema history. Heart-wrenching without being overly dramatic, unlike many famous scenes. What a loss for the world.

[@louisekendralohmann6386]

I absolutely agree. I haven’t seen this film but this scene hit me so deeply. What a stunning performance and beautiful scene. ❤

[@flamingowen]

both these guys, so talented. I know that feeling that river is portraying all too well, that longing for love and asking for it even and getting turned down, getting put in the friend zone. hurts so much. at least he got a hug. I think river was brilliant here but I think Keanu was equally brilliant in his reactions and how he played it. great scene. great acting.

[@miagutierrez2578]

yeah that's true. all i got when I admitted my feelings to my good friend of 9 years was being ghosted by her

[@linnycrocus6023]

@@miagutierrez2578 Ugh. This is why the "just tell them how you feel" advice doesn't always work.

[@ryeberza9800]

This movie will always have a special place in my heart. And this scene, just heartbreaking..

[@wafaakhattab1919]

where can i watch it?

[@johannarose8466]

@@wafaakhattab1919 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqekZnuEa8iVpbs

[@JB-of8od]

This is too beautiful..it was heart breaking "i love you and you don't pay me"

[@pinguflap]

One of the most beautiful scenes I've ever witnessed on film.

[@NoteFromSELF]

River Phoenix. Such a huge loss.

[@vavacadoz]

He was a very good person... deserved so much better in life

[@lordsummerisle3139]

Nothing more painful than unrequited love.

[@RaphaelMaitam]

Nobody asked me but Yes Im crying

[@manalh9]

so sad

[@southerner66]

River's acting in this scene remains one of the best things I've ever seen on film. The way he physically folds in on himself . . . I remember leaving the theater thirty years ago feeling dazed by it. You can feel how he's struggling to get the words out, all the things he's afraid to say because he doesn't know how Scott will respond.

[@sierrag.1069]

River reminds me a little bit of James Dean in this scene, all tight in a ball and head down, such a beautiful man. Every move he makes is meaningful.

[@Est_199X]

I always said that too he reminds me of dean alot

[@bigjayrillah3508]

Definitely a likeness between dean and river. They both were very creative and open minded people.

[@eldiran2]

Absolutely. It's kind of odd (and sad) that ONLY THOSE 2 got to this point in raw emotions & vulnerability. AND we lost them both at aged 23 by their own recklessness......

[@starella.]

*this scene feels so real it doesn't even feel like acting and its so raw and fragile. no other actor would have been able to replicate this scene as well as River*

[@nomdeplume2213]

He wrote the entire scene and dialog on set ❤

[@daisychainmilk]

@@nomdeplume2213I didn’t know that!

[@gregregalado4297]

I might’ve kissed River, he was gorgeous.

[@aslan9334]

He was gorgeous even younger

[@Iceis_Phoenix]

You're seeing him just as something "sexual " though. The very reason the movie was made. Sex doesn't always equate love.

[@svckerpvnch.]

@@Iceis_Phoenix who said kissing had to be sexual???

[@24-karat-plonker]

River's performance here is so vulnerable and heartbreaking, the feeling of confessing your love for someone and them not sharing the feelings is painful. River portrays that beautifully, R.I.P River 🌹

[@nvidiaoptimus100]

Scott is like a magnet for people. Everyone wants to be close to him. Others love him, although he keeps his distance. It is not known what his heart hides.

[@sumantjaiswal3811]

I have known people like this.. its absolutely tragic if you fall for people like these

[@anisa.martinez]

this scene is so raw. no music. no drama. something that feels so realistic it feels like you’re invading something so personal.

[@mikeygoodboi]

The acting and the writing, but ESPECIALLY the acting, makes this scene so real and so raw. It stands wildly alone in all of cinema. I will never forget as long as I live the announcement of River's death. It hurt me so hard. I knew then that he was the best of his generation and that we might never see such a talent ever again, and we rarely have.

[@galshalev2931]

RIVER *kills* it in this scene! So vulnerable and gentel and fragile! Its so scary to confess to someone that you love them and he acts it OUT perfectly! I was so heartbroken for him when *keanu* didnt kiss him and didnt love him back the same way. It actually made me like keanu's character alot less. This is the most touching scene in the movie! *RIVER* was an amazing actor and a SPECIAL human being.❤🎸🎬 MUCH LOVE TO BOTH ACTORS!💞💞💞

[@mads3622]

this scene made my heart hurt and it’s probably one of the top reasons i like this film

[@milyreina204]

Your profile picture and name is funny 😂

[@dominicadominique2191]

@@milyreina204 haha

[@emq6892]

My god ❤️ rivers acting is breathtaking.

[@Jodey_DeLaurentlis]

YOURE BREATHTAKING!!!

[@ken3193]

Getting away from everything feels good. Yeah, it does. When I left home, the maid asked me where I was off to. I said, “Wherever, whatever, have a nice day.” You had a maid? Yeah. If I had a normal family and a good upbringing, then I would have been a well-adjusted person. Depends on what you call normal. Yeah, it does. Well, you know, normal. Like a mom and a dad and a dog, shit like that. Normal. Normal. So you didn’t have a normal dog? No, I didn’t have a dog. You didn’t have a normal dad? Didn’t have a dog or a - or a - or a normal dad anyway. That’s alright. I don’t feel sorry for myself... I mean.... I feel like I’m, I feel like I’m, you know, well adjusted. What’s a normal dad? I don’t know. I’d like to talk with you. I mean I’d like to... really talk with you. I mean we’re talking right now, but you know.. I don’t know... I don’t feel like I can be....I don’t feel like I can be close to you. I mean we’re close, right now we’re close, I mean, you know... How close? I mean.... I don’t know. Whatever. What? What do I mean to you? What do you mean to me? Mike, you’re my best friend. I know man, I know- I know I’m your friend. We’re good friends. It’s good to be, you know, good friends. That’s a good thing. So...? So I just..... That’s okay. We can be friends. I only have sex with a guy for money. Yeah... I know. And two guys can’t love each other. Yeah. Well- I don’t know, I mean, I mean for me... I could love someone even if I, you know, wasn’t paid for it. I love you and.... you don’t pay me. Mike. I really want to kiss you, man. Goodnight, man. I love you though. You know that. I do love you. Alright... C’mere Mike. Let’s go to sleep. Come on now. Let’s go to sleep. Come on.

[@nurielaazlan1646]

Thank you!

[@ken3193]

Nuriel Aazlan No problem :)

[@lotuselise630]

Thank you so much... I was looking for that conversation 👏👏👏

[@user-gq7sk9yt8m]

bless you

[@rw8733]

It's a great scene and his acting is off the scale.

[@PersephoneRising81]

proof that a scene doesn't have to be overly dramatic to be profoundly impactful...one of my all time favorite scenes and movie. ❤️❤️❤️

[@anishapillai7937]

This scene feels so intimate. So, so intimate and vulnerable and real it's like watching that moment in your life when you're sitting in front of a campfire with somebody you love who doesn't feel the same exactly. Ah man. It kills me.

[@tacom1]

This has got to be the most heartfelt scene ever. The fragile natural way River is acting this, it is...it is astonishing. And not even an Oscar nomination for this, unbelievable.

[@LatinSalad]

This might possibly be the most beautiful scene in all of cinema.

[@JarettePineda]

I literally have never heard of this movie, let alone heard of River. I had no idea he was Joaquin's brother. I searched him up and it breaks my heart honestly. He was such a beautiful human being. His talent was amazing. This just makes this scene even sadder for me ://

[@jungshin87]

He really was supposed to be what Leo became. It's sad

[@lillymsf5946]

Oh ik i heard he was supposed to play Jack in Titanic and i just know he would've been so wonderful in it 💔😥

[@spoonface9698]

I miss hearing River Phoenix’s voice.

[@vavacadoz]

Me too.. He deserved the world. All he did was love, yet they ruined him anyway..

[@jakehoon69]

when i was 17, this film was everything to me. i really wish there was more content of them together :( i have no doubt that if river was still here they would've probably made a dozen more films together. i love their unbreakable bond so much.

[@miagutierrez2578]

they were both in another movie together called i love you to death lol

[@jakehoon69]

@@miagutierrez2578 trust me ive watched everything the 2 of them starred in

[@miagutierrez2578]

@@jakehoon69 lol same. just wasnt sure if u knew!!

[@soledadcollio675]

They planned to do romeo and juliet together 😢 sad

[@Rogerthatboi]

@@soledadcollio675damn that would’ve been so good too fs

[@DanimationMovies]

The way they just hold each other at the end

[@izabella7135]

I didn’t know this before but apparently River wrote this scene into the script! What a great talent he was, he is truly missed

[@lucastea9533]

4:04 aww🥺 even tho he doesnt seem to love him back like that, he still tells him to come over and sleep by him. the way mikes face peeks up and the way he kind of hastily goes over, as if to say “you sure?”

[@azaka3720]

in my opinion, thats the least he could do. all mike did was love scott with his whole heart.

[@sumantjaiswal3811]

Unrequited love is the absolute worst feeling. When you loose someone to death.. you can accept it as a part of natural progression of life.. but unrequited love hurts in your chest and your head and there is never a proper cure for it. I wouldn't wish it upon the worst enemy.

[@hangry265]

I would.

[@campbell953]

This captures so much tragedy, so beautifully. Not many hearts could watch this movie and not be broken by it.

[@scarlettw9455]

Happy 50th birthday River 🖤💫

[@chrisparkes]

This is my thing with Keanu, and why he’s endured even for all the mud slung at him through his career; there’s a sincerity to everything he does. The way Scott holds Mike anyway, even if he doesn’t feel the same way, because he loves his friend, is something to cherish.

[@danielthompsonmoviestravel8254]

Two guys can love each other.

[@georgealderson4424]

Absolutely!

[@MemoriesInMonochrome]

If River were still alive and I met him in person I would tell him. "River, I do not always agree with everything of this world either." 😔

[@michaeld.williamsiii9026]

I’ve never heard of this movie... This is a deeply touching clip, River Phoenix was such a good actor. I can relate loving some people or having deep feelings for them, but it isn’t always given back.

[@9teenangelz]

river was the most natural on screen actor ever

[@eldiran2]

Well, James Dean preceeded him in 'Raw Emotional' performances. They were VERY similar (and unique) in their rawness & intense vulnerability.

[@itsppi]

02:08 keanu is so beautiful 😭

[@sashabrown1796]

The inimitable, enigmatic River Phoenix. What a loss film suffered with his passing.

[@charlotterapier6700]

river phoenix was one of the most talented actors out there

[@caravaggio1534]

I had my own campfire moment telling the first guy I've ever had a crush on that I liked him as more than a friend. He's openly gay, and at the time we were in a community theater production. We were rehearsing one night last November, and after he finished his big musical number, I talked to him in the hallway and told him my feelings. While he said it was sweet, he already has a man. I wasn't sure of my sexuality then, but my crush did assure me that there was no pressure for me to come out if I wasn't sure or ready. I've since then came to terms with my bisexuality, but I'm still not happy. I'm not ready to publicly come out, and not even my crush knows yet. This movie and this scene in particular hit me even harder now that I know what I am.

[@timsullivan4687]

River Phoenix was one of a kind. The talent and insecurity and emotion was on a James Dean level. If he had lived, there would have been a shelf full of Academy Awards...he was THAT good. Rest In Peace River, you may be gone, but your soul and talent and memory will never die.

[@justinhopper5941]

When River is beside a campfire you know you’re going see some great acting and an intense scene

[@trevclark9840]

This is such a beautiful scene. River Phoenix is crushing it with nothing but a whisper. And Scott calling Mike over after he's struggled to empty his soul, is the sweetest thing ever.

[@jeremyheartriter2.063]

This feels so freaking natural. Like an actual conversation that could happen in similar situation in real life.

[@user-vm9we7fs4d]

It’s called acting

[@soledadcollio675]

the director said "maybe he (river) wanted to tell keanu that he loved him) and many people have commented that there was no difference at the end of filming this movie between river and mike.

[@JoaoVictor-me6fq]

"You're my best friend" I cannot single handed tell you how many levels of wrong has in this sentence, I CANNOT!

[@Iceis_Phoenix]

Well, to be honest Keanu 's character wasn't gay. He only hustled for the money that's why Mike ( Riv) said that he loves him without paying him. 🌻

[@ferideylmaz6114]

@@Iceis_Phoenix I think he was bi in denial but didn't love mike

[@rbj8387]

Idk, I kind of prefer the idea that Scott is straight. I like this idea that a straight man can be friends with a gay man and care about his friend without it meaning he secretly loves him. The idea that a straight man isn't limited to only caring for someone he wants to sleep with or its a simple black and white "I either love you or hate you." He can care for his gay friend without it meaning he's in denial.

[@georgealderson4424]

He can love him emotionally without the need for the physical deed

[@pilotrieul]

Deep stuff

[@lehuong6300]

Reading those comments that say Scott is the one picking up Mike at the end of the movie keeps me alive. I just can't deal with sad ending anymore, thinking of that Mike with his illness having no Scott by his side, has to deal with what he been fighting for years all alone break my heart apart T..T why are movies about gay always like this?!!

[@Jeeyaz]

River is amazing. This scene is so beautifully done.

[@zangolli1963]

This movie was intense. It really hit me.

[@uferlos3785]

I‘ve watched this scene a thousand times and it still makes me cry.

[@JohnnyCalderon]

It’s so natural, beyond acting. Just beautiful.

[@borokanagy8711]

I cry every time, when I watch this scene. I love these two guys so much.

[@bloopybalderino1242]

The way he almost word vomits “I really wanna kiss you, man” just floored me the first time I saw this

[@Bonnie-zx7vt]

LET'S ALL CRY

[@lancerx1759]

River Phoenix stood out in about every movie I recall seeing him in his authenticity & true character were what made him best of his generations actors still to this day

[@DrewWasMe]

Beautiful. Written, filmed, acted...beautifully and with truth.

[@emilythomas1876]

I know nobody asked but I feel like it fits here. Last night, I told my best friend I was bisexual. I started crying because I thought she would push me away, but she didn’t. She told me she would always be my best friend no matter what. Whoever is reading this, if you’re struggling with coming out, I wish you the best of luck and if you want you should tell someone you’re close too that you know won’t abandon you for who you are. I’m grateful to have such a loving best friend in my life. I love you and God loves you, remember that ❤️

[@jhardin2003]

This movie is so incredible, the acting is out of this world

[@adrianagallagher6916]

River’s acting is amazing. The way he doesn’t make eye contact with Keanu (Scott) while talking really makes it seem real. Something that a person would do while having a conversation.

[@michaelcain9324]

I remember being so depressed after seeing this movie in the early 90’s. So good but so depressing. Decades later I felt the same way after watching The Perks of being a Wallflower.

[@nellarichter981]

This scene broke my heart :(

[@miagutierrez2578]

THE most beautifully heartbreaking and perfect scene in the history of filmmaking.

[@miagutierrez2578]

river just,, captured the lgbt experience so accurately.. always pining over our best friends who never feel the same way.

[@brianalopez6787]

the way he talks & tells him his feelings is just soooo😔🥰

[@theredheadsaidNYC]

River Phoenix just breaks my heart in this scene.

[@gyulanagy9423]

The greatest. There will NEVER be someone like River again

[@lou3845]

"What's a normal dad" wow isnt that so true

[@rddss8311]

Very touching scene,and river was the one who wrote this scene in! RIP river