Cast: Steve Coogan, Rob Brydon
Directed by: Michael Winterbottom
Genre: Comedy, Drama

The chances are you don’t know Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan. Well, you probably vaguely recognize Coogan from some of his sporadic American films like Tropic Thunder or his previous work with director Michael Winterbottom: 24 Hour Party People. But these two men are more well-known in their home country of England, where they have firmly established careers as comedians and actors.

The basis for this documentary-styled comedy has Coogan and Brydon playing themselves on a road trip across Northern England to review the finest restaurants for The Observer. The two comedians spar with words: Coogan with his witty cynicism and Brydon with his never-ending spot-on impressions. Along the trip the two men have all the time in the world to discuss a myriad of topics from the philosophy of acting, the viciousness of fame, and even the minute details of a Michael Caine impression.

What’s striking about this film, and perhaps a key to its poignant moments, is that it centers around Coogan and Brydon playing themselves. While this isn’t necessarily a new idea, it makes certain elements ring all the truer. For instance, there is a scene deep into the film where the two men discuss Coogan’s talent and why he consistently loses roles to Michael Sheen. This scene wouldn’t be nearly as affecting if Coogan were merely playing the part of a fictional character – it’s a scenario that is more than likely all too true, and we’re immersed in the frustration of the actor. But all poignancy aside, this is also one of the most hilarious films to be released this year. Watching the two men riff off of each other is one of the grandest experiences imaginable, whether it be their battling Bond impressions, or singing ABBA songs together.

Michael Winterbottom opts for a quasi-documentary style of storytelling enhances the realism of the film, but he’s not above a well-placed dream sequence to help engross us in the psychology of the character. It wouldn’t be unfair to describe The Trip as the British version of Sideways, with a little bit of Adaptation thrown in for good measure. Winterbottom finds some truly unexpected human moments between these characters. The first time Brydon goes into a James Bond impression it’s hilarious; by the third time it’s slightly annoying; by the fifth time, the commentary on personality and attitude begins to become clear.

There is always a risk with films that center around the turmoil of a character that some people could see as privileged. It’s a testament to Coogan’s talent that he is able to create a portrait of a man who is talented, but flawed. We may only feel a little bit of sympathy for him, but we can’t help but be compelled by his journey through life. And despite his transgressions, he is a character that stands by his convictions. The result is a very complex character study disguised as a light-hearted buddy comedy. If there is any truth to Coogan’s discontent, hopefully The Trip will help push his career in a new direction.

United Kingdom. 107 minutes. Rated R.

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