Longtime Clint Eastwood cinematographer Jack N. Green made his directorial debut with this combination of character study and drama. It tells the story of modern day gypsy types (of Irish descent) such as "Bokky" (Bill Paxton). Guys like Bokky basically make their living by scamming people; in the films' opening minutes, Bokky is pretending to fix a homeowners' driveway. Into their lives comes Pat (Mark Wahlberg),whose father had left the clan to get married. Therefore, Pat's not exactly welcomed by these people, but Bokky decides to take Pat under his wing. Trouble brews for our unlikely hero when, after taking pity on and falling in love with a "mark" (Julianna Margulies),he starts developing a set of scruples.
Some people might find the ugliness of the climax a little hard to take, but it doesn't exactly come out of left field. Bokky and company had to know that there would be repercussions for their actions. Still, this is a reasonably well made and reasonably well told story, written with heart by Jim McGlynn and directed with efficiency by Green. The filmmakers do keep you watching as things develop, even if, overall, there's a sense of predictability to the scenario. The soundtrack - both the score by Andy Paley and the selection of tunes - is pleasing to listen to. The pacing is generally adequate, with a fairly straightforward narrative.
The acting is the most effective component. Paxton delivers a typically engaging performance, while Margulies is appealing as his love interest. Wahlberg is fine as the neophyte who takes a bit of time to ease into the art of scamming. Veterans like Rance Howard, Luke Askew, and Jo Ann Pflug are all solid in supporting roles. It's particularly amusing to see Rance and his late wife Jean, the parents of Ron H., both making appearances. But the person who walks away with the film is a very funny and lively James Gammon as "outlaw Gypsy" Double D, constantly popping up in Bokky's life and urging him to join in on a con job.
Other than Gammons' performance, there's nothing really exceptional here, but "Traveller" does entertain for 100 minutes.
Seven out of 10.
Traveller
1997
Action / Crime / Drama / Romance
Traveller
1997
Action / Crime / Drama / Romance
Plot summary
A young man, Pat, visits the clan of gypsy-like grifters in rural North Carolina who belong to the nomadic ethnic group known as Irish Travellers and from whom he is descended. Pat is at first rejected but cousin Bokky takes him on as an apprentice. Pat learns the game while Bokky falls in love and desires a different life.
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A decent viewing.
Solid con-men drama
Interesting premise and concept about con-men seemingly conning their way through different families in order of paying off depts. This may be worth the watch for fans of the cast or though enjoying watching con-men work.
Although nothing completely memorable, the story isn't too bad. There are of course it's cliches and some scenes of predictability, though also some rather twists. It is quite a standard film but enjoyable at times to say the least.
degenerates abound in this con job
A band of irish gypsies take advantage of decent people as well as running a scam on a trio of other con artists. This picture seemed to be applauding stealing, whoredom, and loose morals in front of children, plus it contained a jab at handguns which appeared to be thrown in as an afterthought. Subtle, but not to well hidden subliminals, pushed the agenda of the producer in a thinly disguised movie. An ok film.