World Traveler (2001)

34% of critics liked it
(67 reviews)
25% of users liked it
(1,557 ratings)

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,… More 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 similarly tethered and drifting. One is named Dulcie (Julianne Moore), an emotionally fragile woman looking for her lost son. Through his interaction with Dulcie, Cal reflects on his own family and soon finds himself heading to his boyhood home where his father lives. This film was screened at the 2001 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 44 min.
Directed By: Bart Freundlich
Written By: Bart Freundlich
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International

In Theaters: Apr 19, 2002 Wide
On DVD: Jan 21, 2003
Studio: ThinkFilm

Critic Reviews

Jennie Punter, Globe and Mail
With no real redemption at the end of the road, it is nothing more than a beautiful, empty journey.
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
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.
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
This episodic, quietly affecting movie is both gritty and poetic.
Dan Via, Washington Post
Well-made, well-acted but ultimately enervating.
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
Anemic, pretentious.
Steven Rosen, Denver Post
World Traveler, written and directed by Bart Freundlich, isn't going to be Crudup's breakthrough hit. But it does have a wonderful, fascinating performance by him.
Vanessa Sibbald, Zap2it.com
The subtlety of how the story is told is beautifully done
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
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.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The only reason for watching such a shallow and worn drama is because of Crudup's subtle performance.
Jeremy Heilman, MovieMartyr.com
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.
Ernest Hardy, L.A. Weekly
The story ... is moldy and obvious.
Ron Wells, Film Threat
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.
James Rocchi, Netflix
Well-shot drama features great work from Billy Crudup and Julianne Moore -- and an infuriating script from director Bart Freundlich.
Brent Simon, Entertainment Today
A wonderful, quietly offbeat little drama... [with] a deep inward reflectiveness and... unyielding, non-judgmental nakedness.
Kim Linekin, eye WEEKLY
It's not going to be everyone's bag of popcorn, but it definitely gives you something to chew on.

Read all 15 critic reviews

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Lanning :

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… More
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.