The Trip (2002)

When 19-year-old gay-rights activist Tommy and 24-year-old Alan first meet in 1973, they find themselves on the opposite sides of the political coin. Despite their many differences, they ... See full summary »

Director:

Miles Swain

Writer:

Miles Swain

Stars:

Larry Sullivan, Steve Braun, Ray Baker

3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Larry Sullivan	...	Alan Oakley
Steve Braun	...	Tommy Ballenger
Ray Baker	...	Peter Baxter
James Handy	...	Hal
Faith Salie	...	Ignored Woman
Dennis Bailey	...	Larry Jenkins
Alexis Arquette	...	Michael
Sirena Irwin	...	Beverly
Zoe 'Joshua Tree' Logan	...	1973 Jogger
Jill St. John	...	Mary Oakley
Art Hindle	...	Ted Oakley
Christina Hempstead	...	TV Reporter (as Christina Cameron Mitchell)
Julie Brown	...	OutLoud Receptionist
David Mixner	...	Himself
Alfred Dennis	...	George Baxter

Storyline

When 19-year-old gay-rights activist Tommy and 24-year-old Alan first meet in 1973, they find themselves on the opposite sides of the political coin. Despite their many differences, they form a loving long-term relationship. In 1977, during Anita Bryant's crusade, an anti-gay book Alan wrote years before gets published without his consent. The book destroys Tommy's credibility as a well-known activist, resulting in Tommy and Alan's break-up. Seven years later, Alan is given a second chance, a reunion with Tommy and the opportunity to set things right.

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Plot Keywords:

book | break up | coming out | year 1984 | gay | 

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Taglines:

The things we do for love and things we should have done, all come together on The Trip.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexual content, language and some drug use

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 May 2002 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Antelope Valley, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Falcon Lair Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The script was originally written as a short about an urban legend of two guys in Mexico trying to get across the border. Miles Swain went back and wrote out their backstory in script format to figure out who these characters were, and ended up with an entire screenplay.

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Goofs

The plant that Tommy gives to Alan on their first 'date' is a species that only blooms once. When Alan goes to find Tommy in Mexico several years later the plant is still blooming

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Quotes

Beverly: So, Alan tells me you're a homosexual.
Tommy Ballenger: Only because there was nothing good on television.
Beverly: Well, I just find it so intriguing.
Tommy Ballenger: Not always, Liberace for example.
Beverly: Liberace is a homosexual?
Tommy Ballenger: Sadly, yes.

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Connections

Referenced in 2005 Glitter Awards (2005)

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Soundtracks

"Shambala"
Written by Daniel Moore
Published by Universal-Duchess Music
Performed by Three Dog Night
Courtesy of MCA Universal Records

User Reviews

Incredibly entertaining jewel of a film about matters of theheart

The only reason that I rate this film a ten is because the rating scale on IMDB doesn't reach 227. The Trip isn't just a film - it's an extraordinary, a true gem about everything that matters in life - people, relationships, pride in one's self, matters of the heart and soul. The film shows what can be achieved when millions aren't poured into special effects and high-priced superficial "talent". I saw The Trip on the last day of the Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Film Festival 2002. The timing was truly fitting, because it was a fantastic grand finale to a festival which included many other fine films. The Trip, however, was by far, the best of the festival and, in my opinion, walked away with the award for Best of Everything in all Categories. The film follows the relationship between two men starting from 1973 continuing into the 80's, giving an opportunity for many political and social commentaries having to do with the times, including Anita Bryant and Ronald Reagan, and gay rights. There was also much opportunity to fill the film with with many truly hysterical fashions and one-liners inspired by those times. These qualities make The Trip a wonderfully balanced film with both genuinely funny moments along with many warm, heart-teasing scenes too, particularly because the characters are so constantly involving, as is the superbly written storyline. The cast is outstanding, to say the very least. Larry Sullivan and Steve Braun are excellent, both simply amazing as the lead characters, Alan and Tommy. Steve Braun is so charming as Tommy, and Larry Sullivan easily steals everyone's hearts - including mine - as Alan - he's truly wonderful. To portray a Republican with as much heart and vulnerability as Alan displays is no small accomplishment, and Larry Sullivan does this with commanding skill. Sirena Irwin and Alexis Arquette are terrific in supporting roles, but it is Jill St. John who steals every scene she enters as Alan's mother, reminding us that she should be seen More, More, More! It's rare that a director displays such talent and skill in a film while, at the same time and in equal parts, shows such joy and love for his craft. Only a truly talented director could accomplish this, making his hard work appear so effortless, resulting in the most fun an audience has had in years. Please see The Trip if you have the opportunity - don't let it pass you by. And to any distributors that may read this - please take notice of this movie. Please help this truly wonderful film to be seen by everyone as it should be.