The Whole Wide World

1996, Romance, 1h 51m

17 Reviews 2,500+ Ratings

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The Whole Wide World Photos

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Movie Info

In this fact-based film set in 1930s Texas, pulp fiction master Robert E. Howard (Vincent D'Onofrio) is introduced to Novalyne Price (Renée Zellweger), a teacher with aspirations of becoming an author herself, and they begin a unique relationship filled with conversation and imagination. Although the possibility exists for romance, Howard's obsession with his work and dedication to his sick mother (Ann Wedgeworth) leads Price to look elsewhere for love, leaving Howard feeling betrayed and alone.

Cast & Crew

Vincent D'Onofrio
Robert E. "Bob" Howard
Renée Zellweger
Novalyne Price
Ann Wedgeworth
Mrs. Howard
Harve Presnell
Dr. Howard
Benjamin Mouton
Clyde Smith
Helen Cates
Enid
Chris Shearer
Truett Vinson
Marion Eaton
Woman on Bus
Libby Villari
Etna Reed Price
Michael Corbett
Booth Adams
Antonia Bogdanovich
Teacher
Elizabeth D'Onofrio
Mrs. Smith
Dan Ireland
Director
Carl Colpaert
Producer
Dan Ireland
Producer
Vincent D'Onofrio
Producer
Kevin Reidy
Producer
Michael Scott Myers
Screenwriter
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Critic Reviews for The Whole Wide World

All Critics (17) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (13) | Rotten (4)
Full Review… Gene Siskel Chicago Tribune Full Review… Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Full Review… Nell Minow Movie Mom Full Review… Marjorie Baumgarten Austin Chronicle Full Review… Susan Wloszczyna USA Today Full Review… James Berardinelli ReelViews Full Review… Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Full Review… Carol Cling Las Vegas Review-Journal Full Review… Rob Vaux Flipside Movie Emporium Full Review… James Sanford Kalamazoo Gazette Full Review… Jack Garner Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Full Review… Scott Renshaw rec.arts.movies.reviews
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Audience Reviews for The Whole Wide World

  • Jan 09, 2013
    Not a bad picture. This is back in the days when Renee Zellweger was tolerable. Period pictures don't stay with me for the most part however and that is my sentiment about this one. I stopped thinking about it once it was done.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • May 07, 2012
    Nicely done bio-drama based on the book written by Novalyn Price Ellis. It's about time we witnessed a woman making a decision about a man via her head, not her heart. She loved him, but he was just too damaged. From what I have read about this writer, he was quite a talented, yet strange man. This is an enjoyable glimpse into the life of an amazing and complex man and the woman who, aside from his own mother, probably knew him best.
    Cynthia S Super Reviewer
  • Jun 27, 2008
    Great performances from D'Onofrio and Zellweger.
    Anthony V Super Reviewer
  • Jul 31, 2007
    I liked the Movie. But really sad End.
    Lilo C Super Reviewer
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