World Traveler

R

Released Apr 19, 2002

1 hr. 44 min.

Drama

List

34%

67 Reviews

Tomatometer

36%

1,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Pensive New York City architect Cal (Billy Crudup) spontaneously abandons his wife and child and sets off in search of what he hopes will be a better life. During a freewheeling road trip across the U.S., Cal meets a string of strangers who find him alternately charming and destructive -- including friendly contractor Carl (Cleavant Derricks) and fellow wanderer Dulcie (Julianne Moore). He also has a distressing meeting with an old friend who questions his morality.

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Critics Consensus

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

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Audience Member

I watched this two years ago, and cannot recall one single scene, plot point, or character..

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

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.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Too weird for me. And I like weird movies.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

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Audience Member

Just can't do what "Jesus' Son" did.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Just stay away. Could have been SO much more.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

tooooooooooooooooo slow only sparkled with moore

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

Full Review

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Bart Freundlich

Director

Billy Crudup

Cal

Julianne Moore

Dulcie

Cleavant Derricks

Carl

David Keith

Richard

James LeGros

Jack

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Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: C

Sep 7, 2011

Full Review

Jennie Punter

Globe and Mail

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

Rated: 2/4

Jul 10, 2002

Full Review

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.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 9, 2002

Full Review

Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

Rated: 4/5

Dec 1, 2007

Full Review

Film Threat

Rated: 3.5/5

Dec 6, 2005

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Jul 7, 2005

Full Review

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Synopsis

Pensive New York City architect Cal (Billy Crudup) spontaneously abandons his wife and child and sets off in search of what he hopes will be a better life. During a freewheeling road trip across the U.S., Cal meets a string of strangers who find him alternately charming and destructive -- including friendly contractor Carl (Cleavant Derricks) and fellow wanderer Dulcie (Julianne Moore). He also has a distressing meeting with an old friend who questions his morality.

Director: Bart Freundlich
Executive Producer: Caroline Kaplan, Jonathan Sehring
Screenwriter: Bart Freundlich
Distributor: Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc., IFC Films
Production Co: Alliance Atlantis Communications, IFC Productions, Eureka Pictures
Rating: R (Language|Some Sexuality)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 19, 2002, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 8, 2020
Box Office (Gross USA): $98.0K
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)