The film version of The Trip has been edited from what was originally a six episode television series. Steve Coogan knocks about England on assignment with Rob Brydon, a warm yet annoying man he reluctantly accepts as his friend. Together they eat at restaurants in North England for a newspaper Coogan is to write for, Brydon his accomplice by default. This is the premise that sets up a steady stream of one-upmanship between the two, which mainly consists of whose celebrity impersonation is more accurate. These moments provide most of the laughs in the film which can also be quite melancholy at times.
Their relationship and personalities are exposed as quite flawed entities; Coogan gives a self-deprecating portrayal of himself as an egoist and Brydons an engaging character who doesn't appear able to hold a conversation without breaking into a Michael Caine monologue. The film is essentially an exploration of their short comings and the fractured fondness they have for one another. Michael Winterbottom has directed in an ad-lib style and amongst the incessant banter there is some pretty sweet photography of the English countryside. So it looks great and is a fun jaunt but I felt like it was missing some scenes that would have fleshed out the story. The television series is apparently a better crafted creature, which is not surprising considering that is how it was conceived. Makes me wonder why the film had to be made, I would have preferred to see the series. In saying that though, I enjoyed it enough to now want to see the series as originally intended.
Strange that it exists but worthwhile if you're a lazy bastard who won't track down the long play version.
3.5/5
No comments:
Post a Comment