Theodor
As many German-speaking students know, Max Frisch's "Homo Faber" is standard literature in classes, and rightly so. It is one of the rare novels that profoundly show the transformation of an extreme type of person and creed:Homo Faber, the man as the forger of his own fate, the believer in machines, technology and reason, filled with disgust towards all nature and "mushy" things like relationships, who rejects all signs and omens, finally has the bliss to get to know love and the fate to lose it.None of the subtleties, deep characterization and symbolism of Frisch's novel survived in this movie - and Julie Delpy's sweet performance was not enough to make it at least half worthwhile. - Movie not recommended (read the book).
suzanneoxford
This is probably one of the best love stories I have ever seen because inevitably it is doomed. With a stellar cast and gorgeous scenery, the movie instantly grabs your attention. Sam Shepard as always gives an intriguing performance as Faber, a civil engineer traveling across the Europe. He has a dry wit and cynical sense of humor, seeming reluctant to make friends with his fellow passengers until he meets Sabeth played by Julie Delpy. With her charm and outspoken personality, he is soon drawn to her. The passion of their love affair and strong physical attraction makes this story all the more tragic as it unfolds. It is heartbreaking to witness the coolness and detachment which consume Faber as the realization of who this woman really is, hits him. I almost cried to see how devastated Sabeth was at Faber's rejection of her. This is a truly great performance and have always admired Sam Shepard as one of the great actors of our time. Julie Delpy does a fantastic job portraying the young woman. Also her mother gives a good performance.I would highly recommend this film, but to a more mature audience who is not easily shocked.
lakeidamike
I thought this picture was nothing short of just plain creepy. I've never read the book and doubt that I ever will. But the whole idea of a man through a series of accidents having intercourse with his daughter is pretty nauseating. The story line, as creepy as it is, is extremely far-fetched to the point of silliness. I felt as though I was watching something almost as facile as "Somewhere in Time." One other point: if a director is intent on making a movie set in another decade, in this case the late 50's, I wish he would take some care to watch over some of the small details. The street scenes in New York are full of modern day cars. Worse yet, there is a scene in which baseball scores are heard over a radio involving the Angels, the Blue Jays and the Royals--none of which were major league teams in the time this story is set in.
len18g
Voyager is to be enjoyed for the characters and the actors' performances and not for the plot which is rather obvious, unsurprising, and which requires extensive suspension of disbelief. Sam Shepard is very effective but it is the ethereal luminescence of Julie Delpy that kept me riveted. She is a special presence onscreen. In addition, although the story is contrived, the relationships and issues are thought provoking and lingering.