Passport to the World: Route 66

Passport to the World: Route 66 is a captivating travel documentary from 2019 brought to us by director Jean-Francois Dufault. This film takes us on an extraordinary journey along the iconic U.S. highway Route 66 - a highway rich in history, culture and boundless surprises. Every traveler's dream, the historic Route 66, weaves its magic in this film, making us want to embark on our own road trip.

Route 66, affectionately known as the Main Street of America, the Mother Road or the Will Rogers Highway, stretches from Chicago, Illinois, all the way to Santa Monica, California. This highway, which has been celebrated in popular culture through song, film, and literature, is not merely a physical road but a symbol of the American dream. The documentary, Passport to the World: Route 66, brings this legendary highway to life in unforgettable and vivid ways.

The film centers around host Jean-Francois Dufault as he explores the historic highway and its many attractions. With his charming persona and genuine appreciation for the rich history and cultural fabric of the United States, Dufault is the perfect guide for this colorful and romantic journey down the Main Street of America.

The journey begins in the bustling city of Chicago, hitting classic emblematic places like the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, and the Willis Tower. Through Dufault’s exploration, we are offered glimpses of the vibrant American culture, the intriguing history, the compelling architecture, and the fascinating people along Route 66. As he delves deeper into the heartland of America, Dufault points out the many landmarks and iconic sites along the way. The Route 66 journey takes us through the natural beauty of the American Midwest and Southwest, rolling plains, charming small towns, and awe-inspiring deserts, all the way to the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

The marvelous thing about this documentary film is how it combines elements of travel, history, culture, and adventure. While it's a travelogue on the surface, it also acts as a historical account of Route 66 and its significance in American history. The film introduces us to locals who breathe life into the highway and offer fascinating anecdotes about their life along Route 66.

Through the lens of Dufault, spectators are treated to scenes that are as varied as they are visually stunning. From the dynamic cityscape of Chicago to the mighty Mississippi river; from the desolate yet inspiring land of the Navajo Nation to the vibrant and quirky towns along the way; from the captivating Petrified Forest to the majestic Grand Canyon; and finally culminating at the bustling Santa Monica Pier - the film highlights the diversity and ever-changing landscape of America.

Passport to the World: Route 66 is beautifully shot and boasts gorgeous cinematography, immersing the viewers directly into the landscapes and cities it depicts. The film captures the feel of the road and the spirit of adventure with its breathtaking shots and aerial views. It employs a variety of filming techniques that give a unique perspective to the route and the places explored. By complimenting the visuals with an engaging narrative, it successfully brings out the romance, adventure, and allure of road-tripping on Route 66.

The film also features an impressive soundtrack that complements the narrative perfectly. The soothing tune playing in the background enhances the theme of a road trip, drawing the audience into the journey.

In terms of educational value, Passport to the World: Route 66 offers viewers a history lesson on the evolution of America in the 20th century, the concept of the open road, and the advent of automobile culture. Through the anecdotes of locals and pieces of history scattered along Route 66, Dufault paints a picture of America that is rich, complex and multifaceted.

In conclusion, Passport to the World: Route 66 is a delightful blend of travel, culture, history, and adventure. Whether you're a seasoned traveler with an itch to hit the open road, a history aficionado who revels in stories from the past, or simply a movie enthusiast interested in a captivating narrative, this film is sure to incite a sense of wanderlust and a newfound appreciation for the iconic Route 66. It is a journey that reminds us all of the simple pleasures of travel – the unexpected encounters, the history behind familiar landmarks, the diverse landscapes, and the sense of freedom the open road induces.