The actors of the nineties today are some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Will Smith, Ben Affleck, are just a few of the most prominent. Nevertheless, this list is missing one that dominated the movies of the time, River Phoenix.
And it is that the actor was on his way to be one of the most important stars of his generation. Unfortunately, only 23 years old, he passed away and his career ended. Today, he is not only remembered thanks to his talented brother, Joaquin Phoenix, but also what he managed to do in life.
Best River Phoenix movies
Stand By Me
River Phoenix had one of his biggest movies when he was just 15 years old. In 1986, he starred in the Oscar-nominated film, Stand By Me, where he played one of the protagonists. It is also one of the most beloved tapes of the time, thanks to its beautiful story.
The film centers on a group of friends in the 1950s, who discover a body and try to hide it from the town bully. This, in contrast to the voice of the protagonist who recalls childhood friendships.
The Mosquito Coast
To test his versatility, the same year he participated in the film The Mosquito Coast. Further from comedy and friendship This film sees River Phoenix exploring the drama of a broken family and the effects this has on the entire group.
Alongside Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, River Phoenix plays a young man in a dysfunctional family who leaves the United States in search of a better life. However, her dreams turn into nightmares before her father changes.
Running on Empty
As he grew older, River Phoenix’s physical attractiveness quickly attracted attention. However, he never let this overshadow his acting talents. At just 18 years old, he achieved an Oscar nomination for his performance in Running on Empty, of the youngest actors to achieve it.
In the film, Phoenix plays the son of a fugitive FBI family after a dangerous incident. Nevertheless, his character wants to escape from this life and finally be able to live as a normal young man without threats.
Dogfight
Fans of romance also have River Phoenix stories to feast on. Along with Lili Taylor, they starred in the film Dogfight, who received acclaim for his portrayal of a young love in the face of fear of war.
The film focuses on a young couple who are separated when he (Phoenix) must go to fight in Vietnam. Thus, it portrays not only a burgeoning romance but an entire generation and a major cultural change.
My Own Private Idaho
One of the most important films in River Phoenix’s career is without a doubt My Own Private Idaho. The film he starred in with Keanu Reeves became one of his most influential and remembered stories.
The film follows Mickey, a young prostitute and his best friend, on a personal journey of self-discovery. It is considered a classic of queer cinema and a cult film that is gaining more and more fans.
–
