Watch Passport to the World: Route 66

Passport to the World: Route 66 is a documentary film released in 2019, directed by Frederic Planchon and Guillaume de Ginestel, and featuring Jean-Francois Dufault as the host. The film explores the legendary Route 66, also known as the "Main Street of America" or the "Mother Road," which stretches for 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica and has become an icon of American culture and history.

The movie takes viewers on a journey along Route 66, highlighting the cultural, historical, and natural landmarks that can be found along the way. From the bustling city of Chicago with its skyscrapers and deep-dish pizza to the rugged desert landscapes of Arizona, the film captures the diversity and beauty of the American Midwest and West.

Throughout the movie, Dufault interacts with locals and experts who share their perspectives on the history and significance of Route 66. Whether it's a diner owner in Oklahoma, a vintage car collector in California, or a Native American artist in New Mexico, each person offers a unique perspective on what Route 66 means to them and how it has shaped their lives and communities.

One of the major themes of the film is the nostalgia and mythos surrounding Route 66. As Dufault visits old motels, gas stations, and neon signs that were once symbols of the open road and American dreams, he reflects on how the road has been romanticized in popular culture and how that romanticism has helped to preserve many of these historic sites.

However, the film also acknowledges the darker side of Route 66's history, particularly in relation to the displacement of Native Americans and the segregation of African Americans during the Jim Crow era. Through interviews with historians and activists, the movie confronts these difficult aspects of the road's past and shows how they have influenced the present-day struggles of marginalized communities in the American West.

Along with its cultural and historical commentary, Passport to the World: Route 66 also showcases the natural beauty of the regions the road passes through. From the rolling hills of Missouri to the red rock formations of Arizona, the film captures stunning landscapes and moments of natural wonder. Through aerial shots of the Grand Canyon and other natural landmarks, the viewer is reminded of the immense scale and beauty of America's natural landscapes.

Overall, Passport to the World: Route 66 is a thoughtful and engaging documentary that offers a multifaceted exploration of one of America's most iconic roads. Through its blend of cultural commentary, historical analysis, and stunning cinematography, the movie presents a nuanced and compelling portrait of Route 66's impact on American history, culture, and identity.

Passport to the World: Route 66 is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.