The Trip
A review (that many people hate)by j. brotherlove
It’s possible that director Miles Swain has ADD; that would explain why his film, The Trip, lacks a sense of cohesion as it attempts to chronicle a doomed, gay relationship over 10 years, hopping between comedy, historical drama, camp, and romance with the gay activist movement as a backdrop.
If you’re already thinking this film is “too many things”, you are correct. Believable character development and plot advancement are repeatedly sacrificed for slapstick and sentiment. Are we supposed to feel for these characters or just enjoy the ride? I was never sure.
Official plot description:
“In 1973, conservative, closeted writer Alan meets sexy gay activist Tommy and the two form a loving relationship-until Peter, a jealous older lawyer, orchestrates the publication of an anti-gay book that Alan wrote, driving Tommy away. Seven years later, Tommy is dying and the two decide to reunite in Mexico, but a series of unfortunate incidents leaves them running from the law. Racing toward Tommy�s home in Texas, Alan and Tommy must make up for lost years while avoiding the Federales hot on their trail.”
No, The Trip is not a gay Thelma and Louise. There’s no surprising or shocking ending, middle or beginning, here. Depth and ingenuity remain elusive in this flick laced with plenty of cheap laughs and references to Anita Bryant, Richard Nixon, and David Mixner.
Even with compromised dialogue, up-and-coming actor, Larry Sullivan, is under-equipped as main character Alan Oakley (especially when it comes to displaying heightened emotions). Steve Braun manages well as the Brad Pitt-esque activist and love interest. But the rest of the cast simply serve as caricatures and social mouthpieces (especially, cult faves Jill St. John and Alexis Arquette).
That’s not to say people won’t like it. With a healthy dose of pop music, fashion faux pas and hairdon’ts, I imagine it will do well at DVD home gatherings.
but it has a pretty picture.
*insert sarcastic smile*
Okay, yeah. But…
where did you see this movie?
Check this entry for more info.
I have seen this film with three different audiences (I traveled to different fests) at gay film festivals and I can assure you that this film is the hottest film on the queer film circuit. It brings the house down. Audiences LOVE this film.
As I said in my original post, “That’s not to say people won’t like it.” Although, it didn’t entertain me, it doesn’t surprise me that others enjoy this film by Miles Swain (who emailed a classy response to my ‘review’). Last I checked, “slapstick and sentiment” were crowd-pleasers, especially at gay film festivals.
Are you kidding me? I did a search on Google and found this site. I have to say I disagree with the comment about the lead actor, Larry Sullivan. He displayed such a range from subtle acting, to very good comic timing, to that final scene with the death of Tommy…the emotion that was present in that scene was so true that I felt as if I was peering in on a very private moment and it was heart-wrenching…it brought me to tears. If that’s not heightened emotion, I don’t know what is. The friends I saw it with, and myself included, felt he held the entire story together by grounding it in reality along with Steve Braun.
I saw this film with my “very” straight bf and we thought this was one of the best date movies we’ve seen in along time. Well written, EXTREMLY well acted, and very funny. The woman who plays the mother is totally awesome!!!!
Best lines:
Peter: Can you be anymore of an alcoholic?
Mary: I’ll give it a shot, but I’m not making any promises.
Even better: (Loved this movie!!!!)
A guy thinks he’s having a date with another guy. He arrives at his place for dinner to find his ditzy girlfriend there.
Tommy- What do you two have planned on the menu, a menage-a-trois?
Beverly- Oh no, Alan hates french food.
Hello. I just watched “The Trip” on Monday, Sept. 2, 2002. It was the last film shown at the 15th Annual Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival. It was a delightful, funny, poignant and political film. Being 40 years of age, I vaguely remember Anita Bryant and her anti-gay crusade of the 70’s. Being fond of the 70’s decade, I felt a sense of nostalgia watching the two main characters go through life’s challenges in that troubled decade. I felt angry at the horrible woman who refused to let Tommy fly to Texas on her airline. It had a little bit of everything for everybody. Naturally, I was sad that the “Tommy” character perished before he got a chance to reach his destination. Jill St. John was a pleasant and delightful surprise as the quirky and klepto mother. The audience was in stiches at her dialogue. I would LOVE to see it again!!! Hopefully, the producers of the film will find a distributor. But, I will definitely buy this film whenever it comes out on DVD or VHS. Mon congrats to the actors and crew of “The Trip.”
Sincerely, Roman Castillo Jr. in Austin, Texas USA
Good job Miles, it is an excellent film…
You deserve it…
All the best
Does the guy who wrote this review not have a sense of humor or what? This film was a joy.
Just because “the guy who wrote this review” didn’t find it a “joy”, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a sense of humor. What kind of logic is that?
obviously J. you have a chip on your shoulder and need it removed.
Do you hate the gays? I bet you do.
anti-queer bastard.
Oooh Jason I bet you’re right. Damn homophobic J.
lol
I see I’m going to have to separate you two.
I just saw this wonderful film at the San Diego film festival. The audience couldn’t stop laughing with this wonderfully witty film. It’s THE gay epic film of the century. Great one liners, great performances, and NEVER a dull moment.
Yeah, saw it in San Diego too. That was the most film loving audience I’ve seen in some time. My only complaint was that the audience was laughing so much you missed half of the jokes. I laughed my ass off too. I’m going to have to see this film again just to catch half of the movie I missed with the commotion in the audience. The two leads were HOT
I once got, eh, together with one of the lead actors and must say he looks so much better live! His eyes are amazing! Broke my heart when he decided not to call anymore…
Larry Sullivan is under-equipped to display heightened emotions? Are you insane? Did you actually make it to “I didn’t even get a chance to tell you how much I love you!” in the final scene before the fade-in to the book signing. That was delivered so well I had tears in my eyes the first 9 times I watched the film and just remembering it brought tears. At the 10th viewing, I’ve already been purged mostly, so no tears. The dinner interview scene is a riot. Serina Irwin is exceptionally charming, first as a ditzy incense and candle-burning New Ager, secondly as an aerobics instructor, thirdly as a beautifully-legged messenger of Tommy’s address and condition, and fourthly as a hooker. All four played well. You fit what Miles fit in in 21 days of filming and do half as well. “Depth and ingenuity remain elusive”? “Cheap laughs?” You’re sick.
I’m “sick” because I disagree with your opinion of a movie, Fernando? Thanks for playing.