🪶 Story & Synopsis
David Brent: Life on the Road is a 2016 British mockumentary comedy film directed, written, and produced by the multi-talented Ricky Gervais. The movie picks up the story of David Brent, played by Gervais himself, 12 years after his time at the Wernham Hogg paper company as documented in the hit TV series “The Office.” Now working as a traveling salesman, Brent has not abandoned his ambitious dream of becoming a rock star.
In a bold move to pursue his musical aspirations, Brent decides to embark on a self-funded tour across the UK with his band, Foregone Conclusion. The band is made up of session musicians who are primarily motivated by financial gain rather than artistic passion. To finance this dream, Brent cashes in his pensions and takes unpaid leave, demonstrating his unwavering determination to make his rock star fantasy a reality.
Throughout the film, viewers are treated to Brent’s signature cringeworthy humor and awkward interactions as he navigates the challenges of balancing his mundane day job with his rockstar aspirations. The storyline delves into Brent’s struggles, triumphs, and the eccentricities that make him a beloved yet flawed character.
Joining Gervais in the cast is Ben Bailey Smith, who plays Dom Johnson, a member of Foregone Conclusion, adding depth and humor to the band dynamics. The film also features Tom Basden as Dan, Nina Sosanya as Brent’s therapist, and Tom Bennett as Nigel, offering a colorful ensemble that complements Brent’s quirky personality.
As the narrative unfolds, viewers witness Brent’s humorous attempts to navigate the music industry, his interactions with the band members, and his relentless pursuit of fame and recognition. The film captures the essence of Brent’s character, showcasing his delusions of grandeur, cringe-inducing moments, and the underlying vulnerability that endears him to audiences.
With Gervais at the helm of the film’s direction and writing, “David Brent: Life on the Road” delivers a mix of humor, heart, and insightful commentary on the pursuit of dreams and the realities of middle-aged aspirations. Through Brent’s comedic misadventures and musical ambitions, the film offers a fresh perspective on the beloved character’s journey beyond the confines of the office setting.
Overall, “David Brent: Life on the Road” provides an entertaining and poignant exploration of Brent’s post-office life, filled with laughter, cringe-worthy moments, and a touch of heartfelt sincerity. Gervais’ portrayal of Brent continues to captivate audiences, showcasing the character’s enduring charm and comedic appeal in a new and engaging setting.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Ricky Gervais, Doc Brown, Tom Basden, Jo Hartley, Tom Bennett, Andrew Brooke, Nina Sosanya, Andy Burrows, Kevin Bishop, Roisin Conaty, Diane Morgan, Ashley McGuire, Alexander Arnold, Mandeep Dhillon
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Ricky Gervais | David Brent |
| Ben Bailey Smith | Dom Johnson, Brent’s bandmate |
| Tom Basden | Dan Harvey, the sound engineer |
| Jo Hartley | Pauline, Brent’s sympathetic colleague at Lavichem |
| Tom Bennett | Nigel |
| Andrew Brooke | Jezza, Brent’s nemesis at Lavichem |
| Mandeep Dhillon | Karen Parashar, Lavichem receptionist |
| Miles Chapman | Andy Chapman |
| Abbie Murphy | Serena Wilson |
| Rebecca Gethings | Miriam, Lavichem’s HR Manager |
| Nina Sosanya | Brent’s therapist |
| Diane Morgan | Briony Jones, PR |
| Kevin Bishop | DJ at Tadley FM |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Hold onto your guitar picks and tighten those drum skins because we are about to embark on a musical journey with none other than the infamous David Brent in “Life on the Road.” Picture this: a mix of cringe-worthy moments, hilariously awkward encounters, and a sprinkle of rockstar dreams all wrapped up in a mockumentary format. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion, but you just can’t look away!
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this film. Following Brent 12 years after his stint at Wernham Hogg Paper Company, we find him as a traveling salesman trying to make it big with his band, Foregone Conclusion. Think Spinal Tap meets The Office, with Ricky Gervais reprising his role as the clueless yet endearing David Brent.
From the get-go, “Life on the Road” sets the tone for what you can expect – cringe-inducing humor that makes you squirm in your seat while secretly loving every minute of it. Gervais manages to capture Brent’s delusions of grandeur perfectly, making you simultaneously root for him and facepalm at his antics.
- Acting and Characters: Ricky Gervais shines as David Brent, embodying the character’s narcissism and vulnerability with finesse. The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, but this is truly Gervais’ show.
- Direction: The mockumentary style lends authenticity to the film, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Each scene feels like a glimpse into Brent’s crumbled rockstar dreams.
- Cinematography: The film captures both the mundane and absurd aspects of Brent’s life on the road beautifully. From cramped hotel rooms to awkward stage performances, every frame tells a story.
- Production Design: The setting of Slough provides a familiar backdrop for fans of The Office UK, adding an extra layer of nostalgia to Brent’s misadventures.
- Special Effects: While not heavy on CGI or flashy effects, the special charm of this film lies in its simplicity. It’s all about raw humor and unfiltered emotions.
- Editing and Pace: The pacing keeps you engaged throughout, never lingering too long on one scene. Each moment flows seamlessly into the next, keeping you on your toes.
- Dialog: Sharp-witted banter and awkward exchanges drive the dialogues in “Life on the Road.” Every line feels meticulously crafted to elicit both laughs and cringes from the audience.
Binge-watching Tip: If you’re a fan of mockumentary-style comedies like The Office or This Is Spinal Tap, “David Brent: Life on the Road” is right up your alley. Grab some popcorn (and maybe some earplugs for those off-key musical performances) and settle in for a night of awkward laughter.
In conclusion, “David Brent: Life on the Road” may not be everyone’s cup of tea – especially if you prefer polished comedy over raw authenticity. However, if you’re willing to embrace the cringe and revel in Brent’s misguided attempts at fame, this film offers plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments along the way.
Rickometer Rating: 7/10
Remember folks, sometimes it’s okay to laugh at someone else’s expense – especially when that someone is David Brent!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good humor and laugh-out-loud moments | Repetitive storyline |
| Perfect portrayal of the awkward character by Ricky Gervais | Lacks character development for supporting players |
| Entertaining and enjoyable experience | Cruel and insufferable main character |
| Interesting continuation from the original series | Some scenes played for cheap laughs |
| Outrageously cringey moments that deliver humor | Ending feels trowelled-on and emotionally forced |
Feedback
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David Brent: Life on the Road - Wikipedia
David Brent: Life on the Road(stylized onscreen simply as) is a 2016 British mockumentary comedy film written, directed, and produced by Ricky Gervais and released by Entertainment One. The film stars Gervais as David Brent, a character he played in the BBC television comedy series
Life on the Road
The Office, who has a film crew that shadows him as he travels up and down the country living his dream of being a rock star. Gervais said, “This film delves much more into his private life thanThe Officeever did and we really get to peel back the layers of this extraordinary, ordinary man.” He has emphasised that it is “not anOfficefilm”.
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David Brent: Life on the Road (2016) - IMDb
SPONSOREDA camera crew catches up with David Brent, the former star of the fictional British TV series The Office (2001), as he now fancies himself a rock star on the road.A camera crew catches up with David Brent, the former star of the fictional British TV series The Office (2001), as he now fancies himself a rock star on the road.A camera crew catches up with David Brent, the former star of the fictional British TV series The Office (2001), as he now fancies himself a rock star on the road.
- Awards
- 1 win & 2 nominations
SPONSOREDSPONSORED
- Awards
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David Brent: Life on the Road | Rotten Tomatoes
David Brent: Life on the Roadhas its moments, but this further exploration of an established character suffers in comparison to what came before.
David Brent: Life on the RoadWhere to WatchDavid Brent: Life on the Road
Watch David Brent: Life on the Road with a subscription on Netflix.
What to KnowCritics ReviewsAudience ReviewsMy RatingCast & Crew
Ricky GervaisDirectorRicky GervaisDavid BrentBen Bailey SmithDom JohnsonTom BasdenDanNina SosanyaBrent’s therapistTom BennettNigel
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the 2016 British mockumentary comedy film “David Brent: Life on the Road,” written, directed, and produced by Ricky Gervais, we follow the iconic character David Brent from the BBC television series “The Office” as he embarks on a journey to fulfill his dream of becoming a rock star. The film takes a deeper dive into Brent’s private life, offering a closer look at the man behind the awkward and cringe-inducing persona from “The Office.”
The plot unfolds fifteen years after Brent’s appearance on the mockumentary series. Now working as a sales rep for Lavichem, a bathroom supply firm, Brent is met with disdain from his colleagues, particularly Jezza, who despises Brent’s sense of humor. Despite the lack of support from most of his coworkers, Brent finds solace in the company of Pauline, Karen, and Nigel, who appreciate his humor.
Driven by his passion for music, Brent takes a bold step by taking a month of unpaid leave to pursue his rock star aspirations. He invests his pension money to fund a tour for his band, Foregone Conclusion, and hires various professionals to support his musical endeavor, including his rapper friend Dom and sound engineer Dan. However, as the tour progresses, Brent faces rejection and alienation from his band and crew, who only engage with him when paid. The tour’s expenses escalate, pushing Brent to the brink of financial ruin.
Despite setbacks, Brent manages to secure a record company representative to attend a show, hoping to revive his music career. However, the representative shows more interest in Dom’s rapping skills than Brent’s music, adding to Brent’s disappointment. As the tour reaches its breaking point, Dan, the sound engineer, offers Brent a heartfelt realization that he doesn’t need to pay people to like him, urging him to stop squandering his pension funds.
In a moment of camaraderie, the band finally bonds with Brent, marking a turning point in their relationship. Brent’s journey culminates in a final show where the band members genuinely connect with him. After the tour ends, Brent returns to Lavichem, where he is welcomed back by Pauline, Karen, and Nigel. Meanwhile, Dom secures a solo record deal, and the rest of the band joins forces with Peter Andre, signifying a bittersweet yet hopeful conclusion.
Throughout the film, we witness a different side of David Brent, stripped of his former workplace status and facing workplace bullying. The audience is challenged to empathize with Brent’s struggles and root for his redemption, emphasizing the complexity of his character beyond the comedic façade.
The cast of the film includes Ricky Gervais in the titular role of David Brent, Ben Bailey Smith as Dom Johnson, Tom Basden as Dan Harvey, Jo Hartley as Pauline, Tom Bennett as Nigel, Andrew Brooke as Jezza, Mandeep Dhillon as Karen Parashar, Miles Chapman as Andy Chapman, Abbie Murphy as Serena Wilson, Rebecca Gethings as Miriam, and Nina Sosanya as Shelley. Each actor brings depth and humor to their respective roles, enhancing the authenticity of the mockumentary format.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating:
David Brent: Life on the Road is rated R for strong language, sexual content, and some drug use.
Parental Guide:
Parents need to know that David Brent: Life on the Road is a comedy film featuring Ricky Gervais reprising his role as the character David Brent from the original British mockumentary series, The Office. The movie includes strong language, sexual content, and some drug use, making it unsuitable for younger viewers.
The film portrays David Brent as an obnoxious, self-important, and delusional character, with humor that may not be appropriate for all audiences. There are scenes with sexual references, including discussions about sex and some brief nudity. Additionally, strong language is used throughout the film, including profanity, sexual references, and crude humor.
Furthermore, the movie contains depictions of drug use, including marijuana, and references to alcohol consumption. These elements contribute to the R rating and make the film more suitable for mature audiences.
Parents should be aware that David Brent: Life on the Road is intended for adult viewers due to its mature content and themes that may not be suitable for children or young teenagers.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Available on Netflix with ads for Netflix basic subscription. Maturity Rating: 16+, Runtime: 1h 36min, Languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German |
| Google Play | Available for purchase on Google Play Movies |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Keep the noise down. No, turn it up.
I'm putting a tour together.
On the road is where I really come alive.
We are going to get a little bit funky. Um, probably too funky.
People often say, "Is there anything you won't joke about?". Yes, the handicapped.
That's as stiff as you like and it won't damage your rug. Well that's what I told her.
It's only fair.
🤖David Brent: Life on the Road Reddit Talks
David Brent: Life on the Road is a 2016 British comedy film directed by Ricky Gervais, who also stars as the titular character. The film follows Brent as he travels around the UK with his band, Foregone Conclusion, in an attempt to revive his music career.
The film has been met with mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Gervais’ performance and the film’s humor, while others criticizing its lack of originality and its reliance on cringe comedy.
On Reddit, the film has also been met with mixed reactions. Some users have praised the film, calling it a “perfect summary of everything I thought of the film” and “so disappointing to see a character that was so perfectly executed.” Others have criticized the film, calling it “definitely not canon to me” and “a shit Brent impersonator on TikTok that is more Brent than Gervais in this movie.”
One of the main criticisms of the film is that it is not canon to the original The Office series. Many fans of the show feel that the film does not accurately portray David Brent’s character, and that it is more of a caricature than a realistic portrayal.
Another criticism of the film is that it relies too heavily on cringe comedy. This type of comedy can be funny in small doses, but it can become tiresome when it is used throughout a film. Many viewers found that the film’s constant use of cringe comedy was off-putting and made it difficult to enjoy the film.
Despite the negative reviews, there are also many people who enjoyed the film. Some viewers found that the film was a funny and heartwarming look at a character that they loved from the original series. Others appreciated the film’s message about following your dreams, even when they seem impossible.
Overall, David Brent: Life on the Road is a film that has divided opinion. Some viewers found it to be a funny and heartwarming look at a beloved character, while others found it to be a disappointing and unoriginal film.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/flicks/comments/5kiovn/david_brent_life_on_the_road_or_how_the_mighty/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/rickygervais/comments/ph9dao/david_brent_life_on_the_road_and_why_it/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/rickygervais/comments/y22v6b/life_on_the_road_did_we_need_it/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/rickygervais/comments/t61wf8/a_friendly_reminder_to_ruin_your_day_david_brent/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/DunderMifflin/comments/iu874v/what_are_uk_office_fans_opinions_on_david_brent/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the band in David Brent’s Life on the Road?
Andy Burrows, Stuart Wilkinson, Steve Clarke, and Michael Clarke portray the band Foregone Conclusion, while Peter Andre appears as himself.
Where was David Brent Life on the Road filmed?
The movie was filmed at Tesco Extra on Wellington Street, Slough, with scenes showing the Slough Trading Estate where the main character works.
Is David Brent in the American office?
David Brent made two brief appearances in the American version of The Office, where he meets his American counterpart Michael Scott.
Who is David Brent based on?
David Brent is based on people Ricky Gervais met throughout his adult life, with the character’s origins dating back to the mid-90s.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- The Office (UK): A mockumentary series following the daily lives of office employees, including the awkward manager David Brent.
- Spinal Tap: A mockumentary film about a fictional British rock band’s disastrous American tour.
- Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping: A comedy film following a former boy band member’s struggling solo career.
- Flight of the Conchords: A musical comedy series about a New Zealand duo trying to make it big in New York City.
- Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story: A musical comedy film parodying the life of a fictional musician.
- Best in Show: A mockumentary film showcasing the eccentricities of participants in a prestigious dog show.
- Team America: World Police: A satirical puppet film that parodies action movies and politics.
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