The Trip To Italy

The Trip to Italy is a delightful culinary comedic journey that takes you through the scenic landscapes of Italy while you enjoy an intimate look into the lives and banter of the two main characters, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon.

Following on from their gastronomic adventures in The Trip, the original 2010 film set in Northern England, this time, our two main leads, Steve (playing a version of himself) and Rob (also playing a semi-autobiographical version of himself), embark on an evocative road trip along the coastline of Italy, where they are commissioned to review various restaurants for The Observer newspaper.

The road trip format of the film allows for a journey through Italy's diverse, breathtaking, and awe-inspiring geography. Rome, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri serve as picturesque settings, offering much visual delight with top-tier cinematography. Viewers are treated to stunning views of the azure Mediterranean Sea, beautiful rustic Italian villages, soul-stirringly beautiful architectural relics, and tracts of scenic countryside, coupled with sumptuous meals along the trip.

The film is exquisitely directed by talented British director Michael Winterbottom, who provides a unique platform for Coogan and Brydon's improvisational genius. Known for their comic timing and rapport, they continue their humorous, sometimes prickly, philosophical, and introspective discussions on topics like aging, fame, family, love, career, and life in general. This experience is made even more intimate with their impeccable impersonations of well-known personalities. The deep camaraderie between the leads, punctuated with their competitive spirit, provides a human touch to the plot, making it relatable and heartwarming.

Their unique brand of humor is tender and hilarious, a blend that is rare to find. The juxtaposition of soul-searching, existential discussions with their effortless humor and sharp wit draws you into the movie. There is a comedic brilliance and gravity in their performances, which are at once light-hearted, enlightening, and tinged with a gentle melancholy.

The film beautifully weaves their personal lives into the narrative. Engrossed in their banter, viewers get glimpses of Steve's mid-life existential crisis, his struggle to connect with his teenage son and reconcile with his former lovers. On the other hand, Rob's attempts to balance his personal life with his work ambitions create a relatable subplot that resonates with everyday struggles.

Rosie Fellner, playing Lucy, Rob's assistant, adds a fresh dynamic to the movie. Packed into the car with Rob and Steve, she provides a lively foil to the lead pair, stimulating humorous situations and conversation overflow.

The Trip to Italy also provides a gastronomic feast for the senses as the duo indulges in a variety of sumptuous Italian food offerings. Viewers will be forgiven for drooling over the perfectly presented plates of gourmet Italian dishes, laden with rich seafood, pasta, and local wines. The dinner table conversations, popular in the first movie, continue to offer some of the most memorable points in the movie, filled with whimsical wit and profundity.

The movie does more than provide a gastronomic road trip; it also serves up a literary feast. Both Brydon and Coogan, known for their love for literature, engage in a linguistic duel as they dash out quotes from Romantic poets like Byron and Shelley, extemporaneously. These literary interludes add a thoughtful depth to the film's narrative, wherein the viewer gets to enjoy and appreciate the sheer intellectual prowess of both Brydon and Coogan.

In essence, The Trip to Italy effortlessly blends the elements of beautiful cinematography, nuanced performances, exceptional gastronomy, humor, and a delicate exploration of human relationships into a cinematic offering that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The film is a wonderfully engaging way to experience Italy through the eyes of two actors at the top of their craft and is a must-watch for those who enjoy intelligent humor, good food, stunning landscapes, and a deeper exploration of human emotions.