Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Documentary

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time (2021) movie poster

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time is a 2021 documentary directed by Don Argott and Robert B. Weide, starring Morley Safer, Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and Linda Bates. It runs 2 hours 7 minutes and earned $92,024 worldwide. Critics gave it 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.9/10.

IMDb rating
7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
93%
worldwide gross
$92K
Echo Score
76
Loading streaming availability…
Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 7m (127 min)
Directors
Don Argott and Robert B. Weide
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time About?

The premise of Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time without spoilers.

This documentary explores the extraordinary life of Kurt Vonnegut, examining his childhood in Indianapolis, his experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II, and the evolution of his unique literary style. It traces his path from struggling writer to celebrated author, particularly highlighting the impact of the publication of Slaughterhouse-Five in 1969 and its subsequent rise to fame. The film offers insight into the influences that shaped his perspective and fueled his enduring legacy.

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time Themes & Keywords

· 11 tags
  • postmodernism
  • literary legend
  • slaughterhouse five
  • dark sense of humor
  • gallows humor
  • friendship with filmmaker
  • american author
  • american writer
  • american novelist
  • american humorist
  • character name in title
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time Cast

Morley Safer leads the cast, with Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and Linda Bates. Directed by Don Argott and Robert B. Weide; 11 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time

· 7 more
From the directors

More from Don Argott and Robert B. Weide

More films directed by Don Argott and Robert B. Weide, best-rated first: DIO: Dreamers Never Die, As the Palaces Burn, The Art of the Steal and 11/8/16.

Ratings

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 70 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 76/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in sensory experience (68).

76 /100

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time Echo Score Breakdown

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time presents a warm, well‑crafted portrait that resonates emotionally, though it occasionally lapses into generic documentary conventions. Critics highlight the film's intimate cinematography, insightful interviews, and imaginative visualizations, while noting limited depth in some archival material. User responses are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing its moving climax and inspirational effect. The overall impression is a solid, engaging documentary that succeeds in honoring Vonnegut’s legacy despite modest narrative shortcomings.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of direction and visual craft, the film benefits from understated camerawork that lets interviews breathe, earning praise for imaginative visualizations and a polished finish. Some critics find the approach occasionally generic or too anecdotal, suggesting a slight dip in craftsmanship. Nonetheless, the overall production design and editing maintain a cohesive aesthetic that supports the subject’s story, resulting in a commendable artistic execution.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When evaluating character depth and emotional resonance, the documentary excels, delivering heartfelt moments and nuanced portrayals of Vonnegut’s humor and humanity. Reviewers cite the warmth of personal interviews and the sincerity of the filmmaker’s connection, which enhances audience empathy. User commentary reinforces this strength, describing the film as moving and rewarding. The combined feedback indicates a strong, emotionally effective character study.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Regarding narrative structure, the film offers a personal chronicle that intertwines Vonnegut’s life with the filmmaker’s perspective. Critics acknowledge the engaging exploration of writerly themes, yet point out moments of generic storytelling and a lack of new revelations. While the pacing generally sustains interest, the limited depth of some interview segments prevents a fully compelling arc, leading to a modest overall storyline rating.

  • Sensory Experience 68

    The sensory experience, encompassing soundtrack and visual style, receives mixed appraisal. Reviewers commend the imaginative visualization of readings and the polished final sequences, indicating effective sensory choices. However, few comments address sound design or musical accompaniment, and some note a generic feel in broader execution. Consequently, the sensory elements are competent but not consistently standout, yielding an average assessment.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    In terms of rewatch factor, the documentary shows strong appeal, with audiences reporting emotional impact and a desire to revisit its insights. Critics highlight the lasting impression of Vonnegut’s humor and the film’s sincere tone, which encourage repeat viewings. User reviews emphasize personal resonance and inspiration to explore Vonnegut’s works further, suggesting the film maintains relevance and enjoyment over multiple screenings.

Box office

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time Box Office

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time grossed $92,024 worldwide. $60,389 came from the US and Canada and $31,635 (34%) from the rest of the world.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$92K

US & Canada
$60.4K
International
$31.6K
US & Canada 66% Rest of the world 34%
Videos

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time Trailers & Videos

5 videos: 1 trailer and 4 clips.

Official Trailer
  • Clip KURT VONNEGUT- UNSTUCK IN TIME | IN CINEMAS JULY 22
  • Clip KURT VONNEGUT- UNSTUCK IN TIME | IN CINEMAS JULY 22
  • Clip KURT VONNEGUT- UNSTUCK IN TIME | IN CINEMAS JULY 22
  • Clip KURT VONNEGUT- UNSTUCK IN TIME | IN CINEMAS JULY 22
Details

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time Also Known As

6 alternative titles, including “커트 보네거트: 언스턱 인 타임” and “Kurt Vonnengut. A través del tiempo”.

Also known as
  • 커트 보네거트: 언스턱 인 타임
  • Kurt Vonnengut. A través del tiempo
  • Кърт Вонегът - неподвластен на времето
  • קורט וונגוט: משוחרר מהזמן
  • Kurt Vonnegut - pisarz, który wypadł z czasu
  • 库尔特冯内古特:美国制造

Seen Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time?

FAQ

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time?

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time runs 2 hours 7 minutes (127 minutes).

When was Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time released?

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time was released on November 19, 2021.

Who directed Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time?

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time was directed by Don Argott and Robert B. Weide.

More films by Don Argott

Who is in the cast of Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time?

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time stars Morley Safer, Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and Linda Bates, among 11 credited actors.

How much did Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time make at the box office?

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time grossed $92,024 worldwide ($60,389 domestic, $31,635 international).

How is Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time rated?

Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time has 7.9/10 on IMDb, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic and 67% on TMDB.

Does Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time have a post-credit scene?

No. Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app