World Traveler (2001)
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.
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.
liked it
Average Rating: 2.8/5
User Ratings: 1,582
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
Apr 19, 2002 Wide
Jan 21, 2003
ThinkFilm
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Cast
-
Billy Crudup
Cal -
Julianne Moore
Dulcie -
Cleavant Derricks
Carl -
David Keith
Richard -
James LeGros
Jack -
Karen Allen
Delores -
Mary McCormack
Margaret -
Liane Balaban
Meg -
Margaret Devine
Andrea's Friend -
Francie Swift
Joanie -
Kaili Vernoff
Andrea -
Nicolas Suresky
Leo -
Richie Dye
Local Bar Bartender -
John Forman
Dakota Customer -
Bert Miller
Dakota Bartender -
Patricia French
Dakota Waitress -
Shontelle Thrash
Dakota Mom -
Isis Faust
Dakota Girl -
B.J. Mitchell
Dakota Boy -
Josie Lawson
Sadie -
Elijah Saucier
Imaginary Carl -
Mark Gray
Ficus Lounge Host
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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.
Top CriticWere 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.
This episodic, quietly affecting movie is both gritty and poetic.
Well-made, well-acted but ultimately enervating.
Anemic, pretentious.
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.
The subtlety of how the story is told is beautifully done
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.
The only reason for watching such a shallow and worn drama is because of Crudup's subtle performance.
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.
The story ... is moldy and obvious.
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.
Well-shot drama features great work from Billy Crudup and Julianne Moore -- and an infuriating script from director Bart Freundlich.
A wonderful, quietly offbeat little drama... [with] a deep inward reflectiveness and... unyielding, non-judgmental nakedness.
It's not going to be everyone's bag of popcorn, but it definitely gives you something to chew on.
A journey that is as difficult for the audience to take as it is for the protagonist -- yet it's potentially just as rewarding.
Shot like a postcard and overacted with all the boozy self-indulgence that brings out the worst in otherwise talented actors...
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.
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.
A pretty but empty portrait of a vacuous character...the picture doesn't get very far or go very deep.
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Movie: ID: 15966 Title: World Traveler Release Date: 2002-04-19 00:00:00.0 MPAA: 4 Status: 1
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