World Traveler (2001)

Director:

Bart Freundlich

Writer:

Bart Freundlich (written by)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

ever wander?

Plot:

After hitting the road a man encounters characters that make him realize the importance of family.

Plot Keywords:

Interracial Marriage | Interracial Relationship | Independent Film

Cast

Billy Crudup	...	Cal
Julianne Moore	...	Dulcie
Cleavant Derricks	...	Carl
Liane Balaban	...	Meg
David Keith	...	Richard
Mary McCormack	...	Margaret
Karen Allen	...	Delores
James LeGros	...	Jack
Francie Swift	...	Joanie
Nicolas Suresky	...	Leo
Richie Dye	...	Local bartender
Kaili Vernoff	...	Andrea
Margaret Devine	...	Andrea's friend
John Forman	...	Dakota customer
Bert Miller	...	Dakota bartender

Also Known As:

Globe-trotter, Le (Canada: French title)

MPAA:

Rated R for language and some sexuality.

Runtime:

103 min

Country:

Canada | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Australia:M (TV rating) | Iceland:L | USA:R | Australia:MA | Canada:A (Ontario)

Filming Locations:

Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Company:

Alliance Atlantis Communications

Trivia:

In the first bar scene, where Cal loudly complains about his song not being played on the jukebox, the song he has selected is "Hard to Handle" by the Black Crowes.

Quotes:

Dulcie: [undressing Cal] I'm doing this for myself. Say "me too"?

The landscape of the land

Bart Freundlich, the talented young director, has created an enigmatic piece of film making with "World Traveler". Mr. Freundlich, writing his own screen play, shows he has a keen insight to these people he presents in the movie; he knows them well. Thanks to Billy Crudup, the star of "World Traveler", this is a film worth taking a look. It will stay with the viewer for weeks to come.

If you haven't watched the film, please stop reading.

The beginning of the film will disorient viewers not paying attention to this story about a man who one day, walks out of his present, prosperous life. What could he want, when for all appearances, he has it all. What we don't realize is that Cal's journey will bring him to deal with his own life and find closure, as he gets involved in all the situations one sees him in the film.

There is a point in the middle of the film where Cal meets an old school mate. It's clear that Jack, played brilliantly by James LeGros, has seen into Cal's soul and he didn't like what he saw. In a way, Cal has such a personality that provokes a dislike in many of the people that comes in contact with him. In Jack's view, Cal will never do anything that will matter in his life, but obviously, this long forgotten friend has no clue as to what's going on inside the drifter's head.

What we don't realize is that Cal, in turn, is looking for the elusive father that abandoned him when he was young. In fact, this is the surprise that is saved for the end and it rewards us by staying with the film, that plays at different levels, provoking us.

Billy Crudup's work is extraordinary. This young actor proves he was meant to play Cal. No other actor comes to mind that could have projected the range Mr. Crudup shows with this depiction of Cal. In minor roles we see a lot of excellent actors. Julianne Moore is perfect as Dulcie. Cleavant Derricks is the kind Carl. Liane Balaban makes a sweet Meg. Karen Allen makes a welcome appearance as Delores. Finally, David Keith is wonderful as Richard.

The cinematography by Terry Stacey is gorgeous. The original music was created by Clint Mansere. The great Willie Nelson is heard in the sound track.

Watch this film to see a new talent at work with a perfectly cast actor.