RIVER PHOENIX: FIVE ESSENTIAL FILMS
Above: Phoenix in Gus Van Sant’s “My Own Private Idaho” (1991)
Alex Matthew
Last Thursday marked what would have been the forty eighth birthday of beloved actor and cult hero River Phoenix who sadly passed away a quarter of a century ago at the tender age of twenty three, a result of drug overdose. Phoenix has now been dead longer than he was ever alive. He began working from an early age, appearing in various children’s television shows and movies before breaking into the spotlight in 1986 when he starred in Rob Reiner’s classic, “Stand By Me”. What followed was a short lived but impressive career as he starred in remarkable films such as Gus Van Sant’s “My Own Private Idaho”, cameoed in Steven Spielberg’s rollicking adventure flick “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and even earned an Oscar nomination for his astounding performance as Danny Pope in “Running on Empty” in 1989.
However Phoenix was not only known for his acting. Carrying a great degree of charm and sensitivity in his few filmed interviews, he was a devoted vegetarian from the early age of just eight and a passionate advocate for environmentalism, publicly supporting several charities surrounding the issue. Furthermore his unique fashion sense and style ensured cult status which still continues into today. Take a stroll on social media sites such as Tumblr and it won’t be long before you stumble upon an image of the star.
In honour of Phoenix’s astounding work we list five essential films of his which are must-watches for film lovers and casual movie-goers alike!
Stand by Me (1986)
Phoenix picture in “Stand By Me” (front and centre)
Whilst “Stand By Me” may not have been Phoenix’s first onscreen performance (that honour goes to “Explorers” which landed one year prior) it is without a doubt his breakout role.
From the beginning, the subtle complexities which would become a staple of his later performances can be seen emerging in Reiner’s pop culture classic. Look no further than his teary confession scene for concrete evidence that Phoenix’s remarkable talent was always present.
“Stand By Me” is not only worth seeing, if you haven’t already, but is a profound symbol of eighties pop culture and a heartfelt coming of age story which unfolds so beautifully over it’s swift eighty nine minute run time.
Running on Empty (1988)
It only took two years after his sharp rise to fame for Phoenix to earn his first and sadly only Oscar nomination (although he should have been nominated again in 1992 for “My Own Private Idaho”) for his supporting performance as Danny Pope in Sidney Lumet’s family drama, “Running on Empty”. Phoenix was just eighteen years of age when he lost out to Kevin Kline who collected the 1989 Best Supporting Actor Award for his superb comedic turn in the hilarious “A Fish Called Wanda”.
Once again Phoenix appeared in a coming of age story of sorts, this time centred on the eldest son of a fugitive family who decides he perhaps wishes to leave them in order to truly begin leading a life of his own. Phoenix is the highlight in an already stellar cast due to his heartbreaking and utterly convincing performance as a young man faced with the dilemma of never seeing his family again or ending his journey as a supremely talented musician.
The film is an underrated gem and one of director Sidney Lumet’s (12 Angry Men, Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico) greatest features.
Right:
Phoenix attending the 1989 Academy Awards with Martha Plimpton
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Here Phoenix makes a short but memorable appearance in Steven Spielberg’s conclusion to the magnificent original Indiana Jones trilogy.
He appears at the beginning of the film in an enjoyable tongue and cheek flashback sequence as a young Indy and displays some surprising and frankly impressive action chops.
Whilst his role may be brief, as ever, Phoenix’s screen presence is oozing likability and charisma. As a result he helps ensure- what could have easily been a cheesy and forgettable sequence- an engaging action set piece which is arguably one of the highlights of the film.
Right:
Phoenix in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Dogfight (1991)
In one of his final and sweetest films, Phoenix starred as Eddie Birdlace, a naive young soldier who we encounter on the eve of his departure to Vietnam. What’s interesting about
“Dogfight” is that Birdlace is immensely dislikable at the beginning of the film. He is arrogant and cruel whilst showing little, if any, respect toward women.
Above: Phoenix accompanied by fellow star, Lili Taylor, in “Dogfight”
Throughout the the film we follow him over the course of one night on a clear character arc, well-guided by co-star Lili Taylor who also turns in a strong performance. One of the most intriguing things about Phoenix’s short career is that in most, if not all, of his films he is one member of a brilliantly talented cast which often results in real chemistry that only further enhances his already perfect performances.
The story is a touch predictable but it’s good intentions allow this to slide and gift us another superb turn from Phoenix.
My Own Private Idaho (1991)
Phoenix’s finest work came in one of his later roles where he appeared as Mike Waters, a narcoleptic hustler living on the streets of post eighties America in “My Own Private Idaho”.
Above: Phoenix alongside Keanu Reaves in “My Own Private Idaho”
Gus Van Sant’s truthful and tender film gave Phoenix an opportunity to star in a wonderfully touching role which is his most genuine. From this emerges an emotionally moving watch as he crafts a beautifully complex and engaging character.
Van Sant’s unique and often peculiar style helps to weave Phoenix’s perfect performance into an equally beautiful film. The subtle complexities and minute details which can be
seen laced throughout his work are at their most powerful here in a tragic yet compelling masterpiece.
