Plot & Details
In this comedy, a middle-aged man juggles his problems with women, literature, and a career, while a younger man chases the artifact of his dreams. Pittsburgh college professor Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas) is currently single following his divorce from his third wife; after publishing an acclaimed first novel, Grady has been working on a follow-up, but he's been sidelined by a severe case of writer's block. Grady has more than his writing career to think about; his affair with one of the (married) chancellors at the University of Pittsburgh (Frances McDormand), has resulted in her pregnancy, while Hannah (Katie Holmes), a student boarding at Grady's house, has developed a crush on him. While Grady is obsessed with his book, one of his students (Tobey Maguire) has an obsession of his own: finding a jacket once owned by Marilyn Monroe. Based on the novel by Michael Chabon, The Wonder Boys also features Robert Downey Jr., Rip Torn, and Richard Thomas.
- MPAA Rating: R
- Genre(s): Drama,Comedy
- Run Time: 112min.
- Theatrical Release Date: 11/08/2000
- DVD Release Date: 03/13/2001
- Distributor(s): Paramount
- Director(s): Curtis Hanson
- Starring: Michael Douglas , Tobey Maguire , Frances McDormand , Robert Downey, Jr. , Katie Holmes
- Themes: Writer's Life,Creative Block,Mentors,Child Prodigies,Estrangement,Redemption,Midlife Crises,Teachers and Students
- Tone: Understated,Affectionate,Reflective,Wistful,Literate,Quirky,Talky,Wry
- Keywords: crush,distress,extramarital-affair,masterpiece,maturity,pregnancy,professor,responsibility,student,writing
- Country of Origin: USA (02-25-2000)
- Language: English
Awards
Academy Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Cast & Crew | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Song | Bob Dylan | Won |
| 2000 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Editing | Dede Allen | Nominated |
| 2000 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Adapted Screenplay | Steve Kloves | Nominated |
British Academy of Film and Television Arts
| Year | Award | Category | Cast & Crew | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | British Academy of Film and Television Arts | Best Actor | Michael Douglas | Nominated |
| 2000 | British Academy of Film and Television Arts | Best Adapted Screenplay | Steve Kloves | Nominated |
Golden Globes
| Year | Award | Category | Cast & Crew | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Hollywood Foreign Press Association | Best Screenplay | Steve Kloves | Nominated |
| 2000 | Hollywood Foreign Press Association | Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama | Michael Douglas | Nominated |
| 2000 | Hollywood Foreign Press Association | Best Picture - Drama | Nominated | |
| 2000 | Hollywood Foreign Press Association | Best Original Song | Bob Dylan | Won |
Netflix - Try for Free
Instantly watch TV episodes and movies via the Internet on your computer or TV. 1 month FREE!
