Interstate 60

Interstate 60

Year: 2002

Runtime: 116 mins

Language: English

Director: Bob Gale

FantasyComedyDramaAdventureHumanity and the world around us

Starting as a simple wish, his journey transforms into a sprawling adventure that becomes the quintessential road trip. An aspiring painter sets out across America, encountering a parade of eccentric characters who each impart meaningful lessons, guiding him toward self‑discovery and artistic growth.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Interstate 60 (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Interstate 60 (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 2000s

Set in a contemporary American landscape, the events unfold around Neal's 22nd birthday and a road-trip quest. The world features present-day technology and imagery—a hospital exam, billboards, a phone number, and a BMW—grounding the magical elements in a recognizable era. The narrative moves between hospital scenes, the open road, and real-world locations, emphasizing a turn-of-the-century sense of possibility.

Location

St. Louis, Missouri; Morlaw; Danver, Colorado; 555 Olive Street, Suite 1300

The story follows Neal's journey starting in St. Louis and venturing toward the fictional Danver, Colorado, with surreal stops like Morlaw along the way. Key locations include a roadside motel and the offices of Danver Publishing, framed by a road map that becomes a puzzle. Morlaw is described as a town where every resident is a lawyer, highlighting the film's satirical look at the legal world. The journey across these places blends dreamlike imagery with real-world settings, underscoring Neal's search for his own path.

🚗 Road trip 🏙️ City to small-town contrasts 🗺️ Quest 🏛️ Legal satire

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:19

Main Characters – Interstate 60 (2002)

Meet the key characters of Interstate 60 (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Neal Oliver (James Marsden)

A 22-year-old warehouse worker from St. Louis who longs to be an artist. He faces pressure from his father to follow a conventional path and from a girlfriend who expects stability, and a sudden accident prompts him to seek a life he can own. His journey fuses imagination with reality as he embraces art and personal autonomy.

🎨 Dreamer 🗺️ Seeker 🚗 Road-tripper

O.W. Grant (Gary Oldman)

The enigmatic wish-granter who guides Neal yet manipulates time and perception. He challenges Neal to look beyond appearances and ultimately uses disguise and supernatural influence to push Neal toward a pivotal choice.

🪄 Trickster 🧭 Guide 🗝️ Power

Ray (Christopher Lloyd)

A doctor who administers a peculiar test and introduces Neal to a world where perception is unreliable. He becomes a catalyst for Neal’s awakening and a reference point for what is real and possible.

🧪 Doctor 🧭 Mentor 🧠 Insight

Lynn Linden (Amy Smart)

The woman Neal glimpses in dreams who becomes a real partner in his artistic pursuit. Their relationship evolves from a surreal encounter to a genuine collaboration with Danver Publishing, signaling a future where art and love intersect.

🎨 Muse 🧭 Partner 💖 Inspiration

Dad (John Bourgeois)

Neal's father, who pushes for a traditional path and presents a law-school acceptance letter as a symbol of expectations. He embodies external pressure and the familial pull toward conventional success.

👨‍👦 Father 🏛️ Authority 🧭 Pressure

Mrs. James (Ann-Margret)

A matriarchal figure who inhabits the world of art and social power, embodying the tension between authenticity and illusion that threads through Neal's journey.

🖼️ Art 🕵️‍♀️ Mystery 👩‍🦳 Matriarch

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:19

Major Themes – Interstate 60 (2002)

Explore the central themes of Interstate 60 (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗝️ Agency

Neal's arc centers on choosing his own path rather than obeying his father's expectations or a predetermined plan. The cross-country journey becomes a test of personal will, culminating in a decision to pursue art and redefine success on his own terms.

🪞 Reality

The film blends dreams and waking life, with appearances that deceive and a road map that isn’t what it seems. Neal encounters fable-like figures and time-bending twists that challenge what is real, pushing him to reassess his choices and beliefs.

🎨 Artistic Pursuit

Neal's drive to paint motel scenes becomes the through-line of the story, shaping his future and identity. The journey yields real art and a gallery presence, suggesting that creativity can guide a person toward authentic life and partnership.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 10:19

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Unlock the Full Story of Interstate 60

Don't stop at just watching — explore Interstate 60 in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Interstate 60 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Interstate 60 Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Interstate 60, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Interstate 60 Summary

Interstate 60 Timeline

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Interstate 60 Timeline

Interstate 60 Spoiler-Free Summary

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Interstate 60 Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Interstate 60

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