The Trip (2002)
Although "The Trip" plays out over
10 years and delves into drug use, promiscuity, abusive
lovers, and AIDS, it is still one of the most refreshing
and hilarious gay films to be seen. Writer/director
Miles Swain has crafted a gay history lesson as important
and concise as any documentary filmmaker may have
attempted and then fully rounded it out with an excellent
and funny narrative script that is well-written and
full of heart.
It's the early 70's. The story revolves
around Alan, an uptight young Republican who moves
to California and begins researching a book about
the homosexual lifestyle. When Alan meets Tommy, a
young blondie who looks like a surfer but talks like
a gay activist, he is both attracted and frightened.
After some missteps in their relationship, Alan's
book reflects Alan's homophobia. Yet what Alan discovers
about himself through his friendship with Tommy (after
they get it together) is central to the film's plot
and themes. Alan and Tommy's relationship takes several
twists and turns and lasts well over 10 years.
Swain's script, which set the film
in the 70's and 80's, becomes a sort of primer for
gay history. We not only get lots of jokes and puns
about the 70's and 80's , including Nixon jokes and
jogging jokes, but we also get insight into the changing
political climate for gays in this tumultuous time
period. There are several interesting and important
film clips from the period including early gay rights
marches, Anita Bryant's Dade County initiative and
a brief clip of San Francisco's openly gay politician,
Harvey Milk. Although the film is not a text book
into what was going on at the time, it is a loving
reminder of just how far we have come and how important
some people have been in our history, whether fighting
for us or against us. It is a celebration of the struggle
which makes the achievement all the more wondrous.
Swain is such a masterful writer
and director that he weaves this story magically and
seamlessly. His film is never pedantic or issue driven.
Rather, he wisely takes us on this journey through
the eyes of two friends who also have their own interesting
and troubling story to tell.
Of course, "The Trip" isn't perfect.
It does delve into some sadness at the film's end
that seems like a well-trod path. But Swain is wise
not to wallow in melancholia, nor does he allow the
dramatics to get overwrought. Instead, he allows the
moments of the story to exist and then moves on when
his point has been made. The film is masterfully scripted
and cut in this later section.
My biggest complaint is in the character
of Peter, an older man who is both a closet case and
a psychologically abusive lover. I'm getting pretty
tired of seeing the "older" gay lover as villain plot
device. Maybe it hits too close to home. But surely,
we can move beyond this stereotype into a more realistic
depiction of the myriad gay relationships with age
differences.
Swain may have a brilliant script,
a ton of interesting archival footage, and a real
eye for filmmaking, but none of this would be worthwhile
if he didn't also have a cast of actors that are at
the top of their game. Larry Sullivan and Steve Braun,
as Alan and Tommy, have a chemistry that always charges
the screen whenever they are on it together. There's
a real love and respect here between the characters
and the actors always provide people that we also
love and respect. It is this duo that makes the film
work most perfectly, even if Swain constantly reminds
you of a younger, cuter, gayer, Scott Bacula.
Alexis Arquette is also wonderful
as the over-the-top comic relief in the film. Sure,
he plays a stereotypical, man- chasing homo, but he's
as lovable and as fun as they get. (And he's cute,
to boot). This is the perfect role for him.
But the real joy for film buffs
here is the return of Jill St. John to film work.
St. John provides a hilarious and delightful mother
for Alan. We love her. She's so great. And her wink-wink-nudge-nudge
approach to the material is a joy for viewers of all
ages. She's in heaven here, acting in a wonderful
film and playing a wonderful character. And her joy
is vibed right to the audience.
The only thing that could make this
film perfect would be a cameo by Julie Brown. Wow.
Guess what? Yep. She's a delight as always.
And while were talking about campy
greatness, let's not forget just how awesome the film's
period detail is. The Production Design is flawless.
With seemingly little budget, Swain and his cast and
crew have created a period piece that always looks
and sounds just right. There is hardly one wrong element
in the period detail. And the 70's music is fabulous!
Perfect choices.
"The Trip" is a journey that is
both hilarious and sorrowful, campy and classy, delightful
and devilish. I can't think of a better film for gay
men and women to enjoy. Swain has crafted a responsible,
sweet-natured, and important film and then filled
it with hilarious humor that never distracts or veers
off from the original intent of the film. An instant
classic with a great heart that's as fun as hell!
Note:
Swain claimed, in a Q&A session
after the film when it showed at Austin's Gay and
Lesbian International Festival, that HBO was considering
turning the movie into a cable TV show. Arquette was
mentioned as someone who would be in the cast. He
would run an apartment building (owned by his rich
family who don't know what to do with him) where Tommy
and Alan live. The show would be set in the 70's.
Since it is unlikely that St. John would do a series,
Swain was thinking of other actresses for the role
of Alan's mother, including Ann- Margaret. I see it
could sort of be a cross between "Dream On," "Tales
from the City" and "Queer as Folk."
The film was shot, mainly, at Falcon's
Lair, a home in Hollywood with a rather long history
or star occupants, and in the California desert, doubling
for Mexico.
