One for the Road — One for the Road(Blu Ray)

One for the Road is the 2003 comedy film by cinematographer/ director Chris Cooke, which, to this day remains his only full-length feature film. Cooke’s only other directorial efforts are the shorts, Shifting Units and Map of the Scars. All three films are notable for their shared theme of alcoholism, with Shifting Units representing something of a preparatory piece for the longer form film. One for the Road stars the renowned British actor Hywel Bennett (Shelley, Twisted Nerve and The Virgin Soldiers), Rupert Procter (Notting Hill, The Last Enemy and the remake of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy), Gregory Chisolm (Wycliffe and Peak Practice) and Mark Devenport (Bronson and Eden Lake).

One for the Road is the story of four men, Jimmy (Chisholm), Paul (Procter), Mark (Devenport) and Richard (Bennett) who meet whilst attending a rehabilitation course for drink drivers. The four men have quite different backgrounds, Richard is a wealthy retired property developer, Paul is a salesman who has become a bit stuck in a rut, Mark is a pothead taxi driver whilst the youngest of the group, Jimmy, is ambitious but has inherited his father’s business, which he wants to sell. Jimmy, Paul and Mark quickly realise that this chance meeting may be the opportunity of a lifetime as the three men scope out ways in which to relieve Richard of some of his fortune. 

One for the Road is a darkly comedic film that focuses on the trials and tribulations of a group of alcoholics. There is a definite Mike Leigh feel to the film as it takes a gritty look at life in turn of the century Britain, however, it can be very funny in places. Jimmy’s Mum, who begins dating Richard, played by Julie Legrand (Footballers Wives and Bad Girls) and Eve (Micaiah Dring, Big Things and Footballers Wives), the focus of Jimmy’s romantic attentions, also add interest to the story.

The film feels disjointed at times, but the performances of the main cast members are excellent and keep the viewer hooked into the story. All of the actors feel believable in their roles and Rupert Procter in particular provides an excellent portrayal of the drunken salesman who has been kicked out of the family home by his wife and is living in a tent in the garden, and Hywel Bennett as the slightly sleazy retired businessman, Richard. The film was shot on handheld cameras for a minuscule budget and whilst this is evident throughout,  the overall effect is far more impressive than its budgetary constraints would suggest.

This limited edition Blu-ray from Powerhouse films features a print drawn from the original DVCAM tapes and approved by the director as well as a host of bonus features including an audio commentary with the director, Chris Cooke, producer, Kate Ogborn and co-producer, Helen Solomon as well as one with members of the cast. On top of this, there are several documentaries on the making of the film as well as a plethora of shorts, both from director Cooke and Mark Devenport. Overall, this is a great package for an underappreciated gem of British cinema.