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(2010) Revolution Films
Having
seen the trailer for THE TRIP a number of times, I was
rather skeptical when I actually sat down to view the
film. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised, for the
most part, and I walked out of the theatre feeling like I
had taken a vacation (or holiday, as the Brits would say)
to Northern England. Filmed primarily in and around the
Lake District and directed by Michael Winterbottom, whose
films were usually shot “off the cuff” and on
location, resulting in a unique quality, not found in
modern films, THE TRIP has the look and feel of a
documentary. Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are reunited
once again after appearing together in
Winterbottom’s “A Cock and Bull Story”
(2006). This follow-up film really is a wonderful
character study of two vastly different personalities,
whose chemistry proves simply delightful, so much so that
I hope that they will be teamed for more excellent forays
such as this in the future. In the film, Steve (Coogan),
in order to impress his girlfriend, takes an assignment
as a food critic for the Observer Magazine, hoping to
bring her along to Northern England and write about
selected restaurants offering gourmet cuisine in the
area. |
| Unfortunately, their
relationship is “on the rocks” and she decides
to pass on the trip. With nobody to accompany him, Steve
decides to ask a former colleague, Rob (Brydon) to come
along and together they set out on their adventure. What
follows is almost a travelogue depicting the peaceful
calm of the Lake District with its beautiful farmlands,
stone cottages, quaint B&Bs and barren landscapes
with Steve and Rob offering humorous commentary during
their trek up north. Throughout the film, there is a
running gag with both men constantly doing impressions of
famous personalities (i.e. Michael Caine, Al Pacino,
Robert DeNiro, etc.) and the results are hilarious (and
quite good, too). Their conversations while sampling some
of the French cuisine dishes are another highlight as
well, with both men preferring a typical English
breakfast instead! |
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| On the surface,
many viewers will find that this is all THE TRIP has to
offer with its humorous repartee between Steve and Rob
and the director’s obvious love of the British
countryside so lovingly photographed. However, it goes
much deeper than that. The movie is actually a journey of
self-discovery. The two men’s lives are invariably
different with Rob being a happily married man, whose
stable life is contrasted vastly against Steve’s,
whose first marriage has ended in divorce and his current
relationship is on rather rocky ground as well.
What’s more, his illusions of fame and fortune prove
futile, making his loneliness all the more poignant.
However, despite their differences in their current
lifestyles, both are extremely compatible and seem to
enjoy each other’s company. Virtually plotless and very unassuming, THE TRIP does offer some wonderfully funny vignettes with these two engaging British comics, who are both so natural that it’s almost hard to determine how much was scripted and how much was improvised! I can only say that I found the film a pleasing experience and would recommend it for anyone who wants to spend a leisurely two hours traveling through England with two newly-acquired friends. |
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