The Accidental Tourist

The Accidental Tourist

Year: 1988

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: Lawrence Kasdan

DramaRomance

When grief shatters their marriage, Macon's world crumbles, leaving him crippled - both physically and emotionally. A chance encounter with Muriel, a free-spirited dog trainer, sparks an unlikely connection that challenges his stagnant existence. As Sarah reenters the picture, Macon must confront his feelings and make a choice between old love and new beginnings.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Accidental Tourist yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Accidental Tourist (1988)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Accidental Tourist (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, exploring themes of grief and relationships in modern times. This period is characterized by personal struggles and the complexities of navigating emotional connections, set against a backdrop of everyday life.

Location

Paris

Paris, known as the City of Light, is a cultural and historical epicenter celebrated for its iconic landmarks, art, and romance. The city serves as a backdrop for Macon's emotional journey, intertwining his personal growth with the rich essence of Parisian life.

🇫🇷 City ✈️ Travel

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:54

Main Characters – The Accidental Tourist (1988)
Meet the key characters of The Accidental Tourist (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Macon Leary

Macon is a travel guide author who struggles with grief and emotional detachment after his son's death. He is characterized by his meticulousness and rigidity, attempting to control his life through routine. As the story progresses, he learns to embrace change and connect with others.

📚 Author 🐶 Dog Lover 💔 Grieving

Muriel Pritchett

Muriel is an eccentric dog trainer who brings a refreshing perspective to Macon's life. Balancing her own challenges, she becomes a source of support for Macon, pushing him to engage emotionally and redefining what love means for him.

🐕 Animal Lover 🌈 Optimistic 💖 Supportive

Sarah Leary

Sarah is Macon's estranged wife, representing a link to his past. Her attempts to reconnect with Macon highlight the struggles couples face after significant loss. She embodies the complexities of love and the difficulty of moving forward together.

💔 Estranged Wife 🏡 Homebound 🌪️ Emotional Turmoil

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:54

Major Themes – The Accidental Tourist (1988)
Explore the central themes of The Accidental Tourist (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Grief

Grief is a central theme, as Macon grapples with the profound loss of his son. His journey illustrates the challenges of coping with such a loss while trying to maintain relationships and find meaning in life again.

🌱 Healing

The theme of healing is prominent as Macon attempts to move beyond his emotional turmoil. Through his interactions with Muriel and the unexpected connections he forms, he slowly learns to embrace vulnerability and rediscover joy.

💞 Love

Love in its various forms is explored throughout the film, from Macon's complex feelings towards Sarah to the budding relationship with Muriel. Each connection challenges Macon to confront his past and define his future.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:54

Similar Movies to The Accidental Tourist
Discover movies like The Accidental Tourist that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.