The Trip

A comedian asked to write about restaurants in the north of England takes a colleague along when his girlfriend does not come. The two eat for a week and impersonate people constantly. The film rests on improvisation and the two play altered versions of themselves. Beneath the comedy the narrative carries a constant sense of competition; one is unhappy with his career and the other appears content, and the difference is felt at every table. Michael Winterbottom directed, with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. The film is a shortened version of a television series made from the same material. Before watching: the series version is markedly longer and preferred by most viewers. The film also offers no plot.