# The Accidental Tourist

> 1988 film by Lawrence Kasdan

**Wikidata**: [Q248289](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q248289)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Accidental_Tourist_(film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-accidental-tourist

## Summary
*The Accidental Tourist* is a 1988 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Lawrence Kasdan, based on Anne Tyler’s novel of the same name. It stars William Hurt as Macon Leary, a travel writer who becomes disillusioned with his career and personal life after a series of misadventures, ultimately finding redemption through a chance encounter with a young woman.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: January 1, 1988 (wide release in the U.S.)
- **Director**: Lawrence Kasdan
- **Screenwriter**: Anne Tyler (based on her novel)
- **Starring**: William Hurt, Geena Davis, Kathleen Turner, James Spader, and Richard Jenkins
- **Genre**: Romance, Drama, Comedy
- **Production Company**: Warner Bros. Entertainment
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Box Office**: $32.6 million worldwide
- **Runtime**: 121 minutes
- **Awards**: Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Geena Davis)
- **Wikidata ID**: Q106301 (for the award)
- **IMDb ID**: tt0094606
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 82%
- **Metacritic Score**: 52/100
- **Budget**: $15 million
- **Language**: English
- **Aspect Ratio**: 1.85:1
- **Sound Mix**: Dolby Stereo
- **Color**: Color
- **Wikipedia Title**: *The Accidental Tourist (film)*
- **Sitelink Count**: 33 (Wikipedia language editions)
- **Publication Dates**:
  - January 1, 1988 (initial release)
  - May 25, 1989 (re-release)
  - December 23, 1988 (limited release)
  - January 6, 1989 (wide release in the UK)

## FAQs
**Who directed *The Accidental Tourist*?**
The film was directed by Lawrence Kasdan, a renowned filmmaker known for works like *The Empire Strikes Back* and *Body Heat*.

**What is the film’s genre?**
*The Accidental Tourist* is classified as a romantic comedy-drama, blending elements of romance, drama, and comedy to tell its story.

**Who are the main actors in the film?**
The cast includes William Hurt as Macon Leary, Geena Davis as Muriel, Kathleen Turner as Rose, James Spader as Edward, and Richard Jenkins as Muriel’s father.

**What awards did the film receive?**
The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Geena Davis) and won several other accolades, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

**What is the film’s runtime?**
The film has a runtime of 121 minutes, making it a feature-length motion picture.

**Where was *The Accidental Tourist* filmed?**
The film was primarily shot in various locations across the United States, including New York City, Los Angeles, and other scenic settings.

**What is the film’s box office performance?**
*The Accidental Tourist* grossed $32.6 million worldwide, indicating moderate commercial success.

**What is the film’s Rotten Tomatoes score?**
The film holds an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting generally positive reviews from critics.

**What is the film’s Metacritic score?**
The film scored 52 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating mixed or average reviews from critics.

## Why It Matters
*The Accidental Tourist* is significant as a pivotal work in the romantic comedy-drama genre, exploring themes of disillusionment, personal growth, and the complexities of human relationships. The film’s exploration of Macon Leary’s journey from disillusionment to redemption resonates with audiences, making it a timeless story about second chances and self-discovery. Its success at the box office and critical acclaim solidify its place in cinematic history, while its adaptations and cultural impact continue to influence modern storytelling.

## Notable For
- **Academy Award Nomination**: The film was nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Geena Davis), a notable achievement in its genre.
- **Golden Globe Nomination**: It received a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, highlighting its commercial appeal.
- **Critical Recognition**: The film holds an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 52/100 score on Metacritic, indicating strong critical reception.
- **Cultural Impact**: The film’s themes of disillusionment and personal growth have influenced subsequent romantic comedies and dramas.
- **Box Office Success**: Despite not being a blockbuster, it achieved moderate commercial success, grossing $32.6 million worldwide.
- **Adaptations**: The film is based on Anne Tyler’s novel, which itself has been adapted into other media, expanding its cultural footprint.
- **Awards Recognition**: The film won several awards, including nominations for the Golden Globes and other prestigious ceremonies.
- **Genre Blending**: The film’s unique blend of romance, drama, and comedy sets it apart from traditional genre films.
- **Cultural Relevance**: The film’s exploration of human relationships and personal growth continues to resonate with audiences, making it a relevant cultural touchstone.

## Body
### Core Definition and Context
*The Accidental Tourist* is a 1988 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Lawrence Kasdan and based on Anne Tyler’s novel of the same name. The film follows Macon Leary, a travel writer who becomes disillusioned with his career and personal life after a series of misadventures. His journey leads him to a chance encounter with a young woman, ultimately finding redemption and a new sense of purpose.

### Production and Release
The film was produced by Warner Bros. Entertainment and released on January 1, 1988, in the United States. It had a budget of $15 million and a runtime of 121 minutes. The film was widely released across various territories, including the UK, where it premiered on May 25, 1989.

### Cast and Crew
The film features a talented ensemble cast, including William Hurt as Macon Leary, Geena Davis as Muriel, Kathleen Turner as Rose, James Spader as Edward, and Richard Jenkins as Muriel’s father. The creative team includes Lawrence Kasdan as director and Anne Tyler as screenwriter, who adapted her own novel for the screen.

### Genre and Themes
*The Accidental Tourist* is classified as a romantic comedy-drama, blending elements of romance, drama, and comedy to explore themes of disillusionment, personal growth, and the complexities of human relationships. The film’s narrative structure and character development contribute to its unique storytelling approach.

### Awards and Recognition
The film received several awards and nominations, including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Geena Davis) and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. It also won other accolades, solidifying its place in cinematic history.

### Box Office Performance
*The Accidental Tourist* achieved moderate commercial success, grossing $32.6 million worldwide. Its box office performance, while not a blockbuster, indicates its appeal to audiences and its success in the marketplace.

### Critical Reception
The film holds an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 52/100 score on Metacritic, reflecting generally positive reviews from critics. Its critical reception highlights its strong storytelling and performances, contributing to its cultural impact.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
*The Accidental Tourist* has had a lasting cultural impact, influencing subsequent romantic comedies and dramas. Its exploration of themes such as disillusionment and personal growth continues to resonate with audiences, making it a relevant cultural touchstone. The film’s adaptations and cultural footprint further cement its place in cinematic history.

### Related Works and Examples
The film is based on Anne Tyler’s novel, which itself has been adapted into other media, expanding its cultural footprint. The film’s success and critical acclaim have led to its recognition as a notable work in the romantic comedy-drama genre.

### Distinction from Related Entities
*The Accidental Tourist* stands out as a unique blend of romance, drama, and comedy, setting it apart from traditional genre films. Its exploration of human relationships and personal growth contributes to its distinctiveness in the film industry.

### Platform and Service Integration
The film is available on various platforms, including streaming services and DVD releases, making it accessible to a wide audience. Its availability on multiple platforms contributes to its cultural impact and reach.

### Historical and Archival References
The film has been preserved and archived, ensuring its availability for future generations. Its historical and archival references contribute to its cultural legacy and relevance.

### Wikidata Query Equivalence
The film is represented in Wikidata with a unique identifier, ensuring its accurate representation in structured knowledge systems. Its Wikidata query equivalence contributes to its accessibility and relevance in the digital age.

### Category and Portal Structure
The film is categorized and structured within Wikipedia and other knowledge systems, ensuring its accurate representation and accessibility. Its category and portal structure contribute to its cultural impact and relevance.

### Image and Iconography
The film features iconic imagery and visual elements, contributing to its cultural impact and recognition. Its image and iconography enhance its storytelling and visual appeal.

### Additional Topic IDs
The film is represented in various knowledge systems and platforms, ensuring its accurate representation and accessibility. Its additional topic IDs contribute to its cultural impact and relevance.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1989)
3. The Movie Database
4. The Accidental Tourist. Rotten Tomatoes
5. Lexicon of international films
6. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094606/releaseinfo/)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. [Norman A. Burza - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0123852/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cr44#costume_department-tt0094606)
9. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094606/parentalguide/#certificates)
10. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094606/technical/)
11. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0094606/)
12. Kinopoisk
13. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/accidental-tourist-the/)
14. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
15. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/69756)
16. Cineplex
17. Online-Filmdatenbank
18. Bechdel Test Movie List
19. mymovies.it
20. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/2DFA-0AB0-10E7-7768-C2C6-4)
21. Danish Film Database
22. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/81721)
23. Kanopy
24. Trakt.tv
25. FilmVandaag.nl