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World Traveler

World Traveler (2001)

tomatometer

34

Average Rating: 4.9/10
Reviews Counted: 67
Fresh: 23 | Rotten: 44

Heavy symbolism and a repulsive lead character make World Traveler seems like a long trip.

32

Average Rating: 4.7/10
Critic Reviews: 25
Fresh: 8 | Rotten: 17

Heavy symbolism and a repulsive lead character make World Traveler seems like a long trip.

audience

25

liked it
Average Rating: 2.8/5
User Ratings: 1,582

My Rating

Movie Info

Following up on his acclaimed debut The Myth of Fingerprints, Bart Freundlich spins this drama that poses the question "what would it be like to run away from your life?" The film centers on a restless thirtysomething New Yorker named Cal (Billy Crudup) who one day drives off into the open road, leaving his wife and infant son behind. A series of flashbacks describe Cal's domestic malaise and disillusionment with his life. On the road, Cal encounters a number of unusual characters who are

Jan 21, 2003

ThinkFilm

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All Critics (72) | Top Critics (27) | Fresh (23) | Rotten (44) | DVD (4)

With no real redemption at the end of the road, it is nothing more than a beautiful, empty journey.

July 10, 2002 Full Review Source: Globe and Mail
Globe and Mail
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Were it not for a sentimental resolution that explains way more about Cal than does the movie or the character any good, Freundlich's World Traveler might have been one of the more daring and surprising American movies of the year.

July 9, 2002 Full Review Source: Toronto Star
Toronto Star
Top Critic IconTop Critic

This episodic, quietly affecting movie is both gritty and poetic.

May 16, 2002
Orlando Sentinel
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Well-made, well-acted but ultimately enervating.

May 10, 2002
Washington Post
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Anemic, pretentious.

May 10, 2002
Washington Post
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Yes, I suppose it's lovely that Cal works out his issues with his dad and comes to terms with his picture-perfect life -- but World Traveler gave me no reason to care, so I didn't.

May 10, 2002 Full Review Source: Seattle Times
Seattle Times
Top Critic IconTop Critic

The subtlety of how the story is told is beautifully done

February 24, 2004 Full Review Source: Zap2it.com
Zap2it.com

I, for one, hope Freundlich gets another shot at a feature. And if he gets it, I hope he proves he knows what to do with it.

March 19, 2003 Full Review Source: Nick's Flick Picks
Nick's Flick Picks

The only reason for watching such a shallow and worn drama is because of Crudup's subtle performance.

February 12, 2003 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Whatever complaints I might have, I'd take [its] earnest errors and hard-won rewards over the bombastic self-glorification of other feel-good fiascos like Antwone Fisher or The Emperor's Club any time.

January 23, 2003 Full Review Source: MovieMartyr.com
MovieMartyr.com

The story ... is moldy and obvious.

January 20, 2003 Full Review Source: L.A. Weekly
L.A. Weekly

With Freundlich and Crudup in the front seat, I found that once I could see the road, I was able to sit back and just enjoy the ride.

December 8, 2002 Full Review Source: Film Threat
Film Threat

Well-shot drama features great work from Billy Crudup and Julianne Moore -- and an infuriating script from director Bart Freundlich.

November 7, 2002 Full Review Source: Netflix
Netflix

A wonderful, quietly offbeat little drama... [with] a deep inward reflectiveness and... unyielding, non-judgmental nakedness.

August 27, 2002 Full Review Source: Entertainment Today
Entertainment Today

It's not going to be everyone's bag of popcorn, but it definitely gives you something to chew on.

July 11, 2002 Full Review Source: eye WEEKLY
eye WEEKLY

A journey that is as difficult for the audience to take as it is for the protagonist -- yet it's potentially just as rewarding.

July 9, 2002 Full Review Source: Jam! Movies
Jam! Movies

Shot like a postcard and overacted with all the boozy self-indulgence that brings out the worst in otherwise talented actors...

June 5, 2002
Philadelphia Weekly

Freundlich's film won't appeal to those who like well-defined heroes and clear conclusions. But there is plenty here for folks who like something to chew on.

May 31, 2002 Full Review Source: Arizona Daily Star
Arizona Daily Star

Cal (Billy Crudup) remains both frustratingly opaque and highly unlikeable; a lethal combination when you're required to spend two hours with someone in a car.

May 30, 2002 Full Review Source: CineScene.com
CineScene.com

A pretty but empty portrait of a vacuous character...the picture doesn't get very far or go very deep.

May 29, 2002 Full Review Source: One Guy's Opinion
One Guy's Opinion

Audience Reviews for World Traveler

A moving story about lost fathers and lost sons. Billy Crudup always picks his roles with care, often looking to play unique characters who are searching for something, are damaged somehow, and are in need of healing. Julianne Moore plays well the wandering mother, traveling to connect with her son at a train station somehere out there in space and time. Willie Nelson provides the bulk of a memorable soundtrack. A must-see for Crudup fans, and an interesting part for David Keith, whom I'd like to see back doing more films.
September 24, 2006
binky013

Super Reviewer

This movie isn't worthy of Julianne Moore. She is the only good actor and portrays the only interesting character in ht movie. The lead character is just a loser, and I really don't see how he learns anything from going around cheating on his wife and luring people in only to screw them over.
April 28, 2013
Danielle K.
Danielle Kelly
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