When it comes to classic college comedies, Road Trip is definitely a fan favorite. The film follows a group of friends as they embark on a wild road trip from Ithaca, New York to Austin, Texas in order to retrieve an incriminating video tape.
One of the most memorable parts of the movie is the appearance of Matt Damon in a small but hilarious role. But why was he in the film? Let’s explore.
The Plot
First, let’s take a look at the plot of Road Trip. The main character, Josh, accidentally mails a video tape to his long-distance girlfriend instead of a letter professing his love.
The tape contains footage of him cheating on her with another girl. In order to prevent her from seeing the tape and breaking up with him, Josh and his friends set out on a road trip to retrieve it.
The Scene
In one scene, Josh and his friends stop at a fraternity house where they meet Edgar (played by Seann William Scott) and his roommate, who happens to be played by none other than Matt Damon. Damon’s character is billed simply as “College Guy #2” in the credits.
The Role
So what was the point of having Matt Damon play such a small role? According to director Todd Phillips (who would later go on to direct The Hangover trilogy), he simply wanted to work with Damon and wrote the part specifically for him. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Phillips said “I thought it would be really funny if we could get Matt Damon for just one scene..he was great about doing it.”
The Impact
Despite its brevity, Damon’s appearance in Road Trip has become iconic among fans of both the film and the actor himself. His deadpan delivery of lines like “You’re my boy Blue!” have become part of the movie’s lexicon.
The Legacy
In fact, Damon’s involvement in Road Trip may have even helped launch his career to new heights. The film was released in 2000, just a year before Damon would win an Academy Award for his role in Good Will Hunting.
While it’s certainly not the role he’s most well-known for, it’s clear that Damon has fond memories of his time on set. In a 2017 interview with GQ, he called Road Trip “one of the best experiences I ever had on a movie.”
Conclusion
So why was Matt Damon in Road Trip? Simply put, because director Todd Phillips wanted him there.
Despite its relatively small impact on Damon’s career, his appearance has left an indelible mark on the movie and its fans. It just goes to show that sometimes even the smallest parts can have a big impact.