Cast
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Sam Elliott
as Travis McGee
Gene Evans
as Meyer
Barry Corbin
as Sheriff Hack Ames
Richard Farnsworth
as Van Harder
Geoffrey Lewis
as John Tuckerman
Amy Madigan
as Billy Jean Bailey
Vera Miles
as Julie Lawless
Katharine Ross
as Gretel Howard
Marshall R. Teague
as Nicky Noyes
Maggie Wellman
as Mishy Burns
Walter Olkewicz
as Wright Fletcher
Jack Murdock
as
Greta Blackburn
as
Owen Orr
as
Pilar Del Rey
as
Crew
Director
- Andrew V. McLaglen
Producer
- George Eckstein
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Travis McGee examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Andrew V. McLaglen brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1983, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Travis McGee took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 374 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Travis McGee shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Cut Off, which focuses more on action than character development, Travis McGee subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Hazel's People and Carrie explore similar territory, Travis McGee stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 18, 1983
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Budget: $110
