The Accidental Tourist Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A travel writer who hates traveling gets dumped, gets a dog trainer girlfriend, then his wife wants him back, so he has to choose between comfort and chaos… in Europe!

🍿 The Accidental Tourist: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Grief and Separation

Macon Leary, a writer of travel guides for reluctant travelers, is grappling with the recent death of his son. This tragedy has created a deep rift in his marriage to Sarah. Unable to cope with Macon’s emotional distance, Sarah decides to leave him, seeking a fresh start.

Eccentric Family Life

Following his separation, Macon moves back into his childhood home with his quirky siblings: Rose, Porter, and Charles. Their lives are governed by routine and unusual habits, like alphabetizing the pantry and ignoring the ringing telephone. While recovering from an injury, Macon seeks help with his unruly dog, Edward.

The Dog Trainer

Macon meets Muriel Pritchett, a spirited and unconventional dog trainer, who offers to help with Edward. Muriel’s vibrant personality is a stark contrast to Macon’s reserved nature. She also has a young son, Alexander, who suffers from numerous health issues. Muriel begins to pursue Macon, determined to bring him out of his shell.

Love Triangle

As Macon spends more time with Muriel and Alexander, he starts to open up and experience life in a new way. However, Sarah re-enters his life, expressing a desire to reconcile. Macon is now torn between the familiar comfort of his past with Sarah and the exciting, unpredictable future offered by Muriel.

Paris and a Choice

Macon travels to Paris for research, and Muriel unexpectedly joins him. Despite his initial resistance, Macon finds himself drawn to her. Sarah also arrives in Paris, hoping to rekindle their relationship. Macon is ultimately faced with a difficult decision: return to his old life with Sarah or embrace the new possibilities with Muriel.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Macon Leary (William Hurt): A grief-stricken and emotionally detached travel writer who struggles to reconnect with life after the death of his son and the dissolution of his marriage.
• Sarah Leary (Kathleen Turner): Macon’s estranged wife, who seeks to find herself and escape the pain of their shared loss, leading her to separate from him.
• Muriel Pritchett (Geena Davis): An eccentric and persistent dog trainer who brings vibrancy and a new perspective into Macon’s life.
• Rose Leary (Amy Wright): Macon’s highly organized and somewhat eccentric sister who is devoted to her brothers and their routine.
• Julian Hedge (Bill Pullman): Macon’s publisher who develops a romantic interest in Macon’s sister, Rose.
• Alexander Pritchett (Robert Hy Gorman): Muriel’s son, who is sickly, and forms a bond with Macon, representing a chance at connection.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Macon: “I’m beginning to think that maybe it’s not just how much you love someone. Maybe what matters is who you are when you’re with them.” – Macon reflects on the importance of personal growth and identity within a relationship.
• Sarah: “There’s something muffled about the way you experience things, it’s as if you were trying to slip through life unchanged.” – Sarah expresses her frustration with Macon’s emotional distance and resistance to change.
• Macon: “Business travelers should never take along anything they couldn’t bear to lose.” – Macon ironically reflects on the need to avoid emotional attachment to his life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $31,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $32,632,093
• Worldwide Gross: $32,632,093

💥 The Accidental Tourist Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie years ago and just feeling…everything. William Hurt is amazing as Macon. That scene where he sees the boy in Paris? Gut-wrenching. I especially loved how the movie wasn’t just a simple love story; it was about grief, finding yourself, and figuring out what truly matters. Geena Davis was excellent and her energy was contagious! I felt that her portrayal of Muriel brought a unique charm.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of character-driven dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about grief and healing”
  • “Those who appreciate quirky and unconventional romances”
  • “People who enjoy films based on literary works”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief depiction of violence (mention of son’s murder)”
  • “Mature themes of loss and marital separation”
  • “Mild language”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Kasdan’s film is a delicately balanced and moving story about grief, love, and unexpected connections. William Hurt delivers a nuanced performance, while Geena Davis shines in her quirky, Oscar-winning role. The film’s quiet moments resonate long after the credits roll.
• RogerEbert.com: “A thoughtful film that explores the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of moving on after tragedy. While the pacing may be slow for some, the film’s intelligence and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch. Geena Davis truly earned the award, her character breathed life into the world.

Audience Reactions

Geena Davis’s performance is a standout, bringing much-needed levity and heart.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s sensitive portrayal of grief and the complexities of relationships.

The film’s quiet, contemplative tone resonated with those seeking a more thoughtful story.: The movie is considered a hidden gem that gets better with each viewing.

Overall Consensus: A moving and thought-provoking drama with strong performances, particularly from William Hurt and Geena Davis, though its slow pace may not appeal to all.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1989

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Geena Davis read the novel on set of The Fly (1986) to Jeff Goldblum during his makeup sessions.”
• “The film is a faithful adaptation of Anne Tyler’s novel, known for its subtle exploration of grief and human connection.”
• “Director Lawrence Kasdan cast his friend and fellow director James L. Brooks as Macon’s therapist, adding a touch of Hollywood in-jokes to the production.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Accidental Tourist?

The Accidental Tourist is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Accidental Tourist, you might like these similar films:

• Lost in Translation (2003): Explores themes of emotional detachment and finding unexpected connection in unfamiliar surroundings.
• Manchester by the Sea (2016): Deals with profound grief and the struggle to navigate life after a devastating loss.
• As Good as It Gets (1997): Features an emotionally closed-off protagonist who is coaxed into a more fulfilling life by an unconventional woman.
• Adaptation. (2002): Focuses on a writer struggling with adaptation and is a character study.

🛒 The Accidental Tourist Related Products

• The Accidental Tourist (Novel) by Anne Tyler: The novel that inspired the film. Experience the full depth and detail of Anne Tyler’s acclaimed story.
• Baltimore Cityscape Jigsaw Puzzle, 1000 Pieces: This puzzle captures the essence of Baltimore, Maryland, where the film is set. Bring the city to life piece by piece.
• The Essential John Williams Film Music Collection: A digital compilation featuring John Williams’ iconic score from The Accidental Tourist, along with other famous soundtracks.
• Welsh Corgi Plush Toy – Realistic Stuffed Animal: A cute and cuddly Welsh Corgi plush, inspired by Edward the dog in the movie. High-quality and ultra-soft.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Accidental Tourist features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “End Credits” – performed by John Williams
• “I’m Gonna Lasso Santa Claus” – performed by Frankie Adams and Wilbur Jones

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Geena Davis Wins Best Supporting Actress | 61st Oscars (1989)

Check out Geena Davis’s acceptance speech when she won the Oscar for her incredible performance in ‘The Accidental Tourist’! It’s always inspiring to see artists get recognized for their hard work – a great moment to revisit.

Geena Davis in “The Accidental Tourist”

Want to see some of Geena Davis’s standout scenes from ‘The Accidental Tourist’? This clip showcases her award-winning performance and really captures the essence of her character, Muriel!

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