The Accidental Tourist (1988)

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William Hurt (Oscar-winner for Kiss of the Spider Woman) stars in this adaptation of Anne Tyler’s novel about a travel guide writer whose marriage crumbles after the death of his son. While recovering from a broken leg at the home of his sister and two brothers, he develops a relationship with an odd dog trainer, played by Geena Davis (The Fly). As he begins to process his grief and begin a new life, his estranged wife (Body Heat‘s Kathleen Turner) reenters the picture, encouraging them to pick up the pieces and save their marriage. Ultimately, Hurt’s character must choose between a damaged but comfortable past, and unknown but hopeful future.

The Accidental Tourist features good, albeit off-kilter, performances from the leading cast. Hurt is at his most reserved, so much so that we can’t help but chuckle as Geena Davis’ goofy character begins to knock down the walls of his comfort zone. Davis’ performance settles between comic foil and romantic partner, before serving as an antagonistic force in the later part of the film. Davis’ handling of these different aspects led to her Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Turner has perhaps the most difficult role in the film, a sympathetic character who leaves Hurt to get her own bearings, only to be shunned when she seeks to reconcile with him. If the script has a weakness, it’s that the plot has its way with her.

The film finds welcome comedy in Hurt’s family, played by David Ogden Stiers, Ed Begley Jr., and Amy Wright. All four siblings share Hurt’s need to wall themselves off from the world, so much so that they’ve developed peculiar family rituals like alphabetizing the food pantry and playing their own highly complicated version of competitive solitaire. Bill Pullman co-stars as Hurt’s publisher. He and Amy Wright enter into their own awkward but charming relationship throughout the film, one that climaxes (subtly, of course) with a Thanksgiving dinner that’s equal parts sad, romantic, and funny — much like the movie.

Tyler’s story centers around a catch-22 of the human condition — the need to connect with people versus the need to put up barriers for emotional protection. Hurt’s occupation as a travel writer for people who hate traveling is at times too obvious as a metaphor, but director Lawrence Kasdan (Body Heat, The Big Chill) strikes a compelling tone for the film, one of warm and cozy melancholy, sprinkled with dashes of humor and hopefulness. John William’s music is also very effective, washing over the film like a spring rain.

Academy Award: Best Supporting Actress (Geena Davis)

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay, Score