I think some people are over analysing 'The Long Way Round'. I believe them when they say that it started out as a simple bike trip and escalated into the bohemoth that transpired. It would be natural for actors to want to make a film about their experiences, film being their passion too. I think they let it get out of hand, but who wouldn't take tens of thousands of pounds of free kit and a couple of 1150 advs if offered? And yes, they didn't leave anything to chance like would be the case on a 'true' adventure, but lets face it, if they'd got to Paris and had a total breakdown on one of the bikes no-one would ever have forgotten it with the public eye so much on them. Look at that twat Mark Thatcher. Before he tried toppling governments all anyone knew of him was that he got lost in the desert. It may have even had an adverse effect on their careers, so linked to 'looking cool' they might be. Jings, my first trip I got to Peebles before I had to turn back but nobody remembers 'cos I'm not famous! Yeah, it may not be the pure form of adventure motorcycling that is in Mondo etc. but they did ride a long way on bikes, see a lot of cool stuff and, it would appear, push themselves to their own personal limits so fair play to them. I don't think they ever claimed no-one had ever done it before and compared to banal antics of most of the 'glitteratti' I thought it was cool enough to spend a bit of time watching it with a few s on DVD and quite enjoyed it. And if they come across a little melodramatic or moany, bloody hell, they're ACTORS what do you expect, SAS style stiff upper lips and a refusal to crack under pressure!
One thing that impressed me was that they did not try to hide the blubbing and mini tantrums. It would have been easy to edit them out and reshoot with them heroicly laughing off their troubles and whistling a merry tume when the going got hard. They come across as ordinary guys, not particularly tough or cutting edge, maybe not that eloquent and with as many faults as the next guy but big deal, so am I, and if someone drives up to my flat with a truck full of money, kit and a BMW adv I'll say 'Muchos Gracias', sell the BMW (I've got an XT, thanks) and let them film me as much as they like! (Then use the cash to fund a big trip on my own!)
I hate the celebrity culture and generally would rather shoot 10 actors than 1 ordinary person but I think maybe as a community we could be a little more accepting and see this for the bare facts: They ride, they travel, and at their own level, have an adventure.
Matt

Trey Parker and Matt Stone: "We hate actors, every single one of them."

[This message has been edited by Matt Cartney (edited 28 November 2005).]

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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!