The River Still Flows: a River Phoenix appreciation thread

It's late and I don't have a good introductory post. I searched and didn't find a thread like this so I figured I'd start one. If this falls by the wayside, at least I can stare at the title among the list of threads on this forum for a while.

Of all the actors and actresses I've ever liked, I think River Phoenix, young as he was, was one of the best. I first saw him in Stand By Me and I was transfixed by the boy playing "Chris Chambers." Plus, I thought he was cute which didn't hurt my enjoyment of the movie.

Are there any other fans of RP here in the Star Wars Galaxy? When did you become a fan? Which were your favorite of his films? Your least favorite and why? His best co-star?

I've noticed that many references to River are about how he died. Although I didn't know him personally, I still have some strong feelings and some definite opinions about the sad event but I'm hoping this won't become the 'River Phoenix OD-ed' thread. His death was just several moments at the end of a 23 year old life. Let's talk about those years, that life; post pix maybe, and reminisce with fondness and appreciation.

 

River Phoenix OD-ed.

 

It really sucked that he died, especially when you realize the man actually had talent unlike many of our well scrutinized, OD-ing graffiti celebrities of today.

 

Huh, I didn't realize he was so young. I only really know him from My Own Private Idaho.

 

Damn shame. Talented young man, both as an actor and as a musician.

[image=http://pica.typepad.com/picablog/images/crusade020.jpg]

 

He was great. He brought a degree of honesty and realism to his characters that is very rare.

 

I positively love River Phoenix. Always have, always will.
He was outstanding in Stand by Me, and of course as young Indy!
I just love the guy....
I was sooooooo sad when he died.

 

I think my favorite films are Stand By Me and Running On Empty. He brought a lot of sensitivity to his roles. Mosquito Coast was really good too. Although he was great in My Own Private Idaho, some scenes were just not to my taste. I thought as a whole the strange film was an interesting adaptation of Henry IV.

 

Yep. I thought he was great. I remember exactly where I was (playing pool with my bro and best mate) when they announced his death on the radio.

My fave performance of his was in My Own Private Idaho


-JR

 

He's great in Sneakers. I loved that movie. I liked it in the beginning when he cuts the power in the bank.

 

Yeah I was thinking of that movie too just before Jr. said it. He played the male prostitute, right?

I love Sneakers too, btw. Hilarious.

 

I was 12 when he died. When it first happened I didn't think much of it, but then for some reason a few months later I learned more about him/his death and decided I was going to be obsessed with him. The only movie of his that I had or had even seen was Indy, so I watched the beginning over and over.

 

Oh, I forgot about Sneakers. I haven't seen it in ages so I've forgotten everything about it except that Sidney Poitier was in it too. They co-stared in Little Nikita as well, which wasn't one of my River favs but I'm glad I finally got to see it this year.

Like other folks who remember where they were when Kennedy or Elvis died, I remember (like 9/11 ) where I was when the new supervisor of the weekend shift at the bank told me that 'my' River Phoenix had died, and I remember at what angle I turned towards her from my desk. I just couldn't believe it.

Does anyone remember Silent Tongue? Now that was a strange one, but River was impressively intense in it.