Review of The Trip (2011) by Prycilla P — 29 Jun 2011

Steve Coogan and Rob Bryden drive through the north of England to review some restaurants directed by Michael Winterbottom.

Most of the scenes especially at the start are either driving or sitting at tables.

The food, which is hardly mentioned is an even serving of scallops with foam as a bewildering array f ingredients blurs into one.

In a way so does the dialogue.

Doesn't sound like much does it?

But it is.

Each actor basically plays themselves in what are for the most part improvised conversations, often in other people's voices as the discuss the pros and cons of each others impersonations.

Amongst this we are drawn into the differences between these two guys both in their 40s and feeling middle aged but from different perspectives as their lives, their real lives play out before us.

And the nature of their friendship.

Sometimes they recite entire poems to each other in character or discuss roles they have applied for.

The scenery, shot in (I think) autumn is spectacular including the Lake District and a lot of references to the Romantic Poets..

Right at the end is a moment of brilliant poignancy.

This isn't a GREAT film in the manner of Tree Of Life but in some small way, it is perfect.