Tweet

Bruce Robinson's celebrated cult comedy, Withnail and I stars Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann.

It's the end of the 1960s and two out-of-work actors, Withnail (Grant) and 'I' (McGann), subsist on a diet of booze, drugs and fags in their revolting Camden flat. In order to escape the depressing round of visits from their dealer and the months of untouched washing-up, they escape to the country, in the form of Uncle Monty's Lakeland retreat - but don't bargain for the endless rain, the local characters and the attentions of Monty himself. Beautifully scripted, this is a true cult film that deserves all the plaudits it gets.

As far as I know Withnail and I captures a particular time, place and sentiment that no other film does. As well as being enormously funny, the film is also extremely ... more >

As far as I know Withnail and I captures a particular time, place and sentiment that no other film does. As well as being enormously funny, the film is also extremely poignant. I am thinking in particular of that time, the end of the 60's, which was both the end of a chapter in the lives of the 2 actors, and also the end of a glorious, though flawed period for those of us, having lived through an explosion of creativity and possibilities that was previously undreamt of. There are so many gems in this film, both visual and verbal that I find it impossible to single one out as being the best. I think it is for this reason that I watch the film over and over, as the whole film is in fact a complete joy. Massively nostalgic and evocative, the film is never sentimental, but instead, sensitively portrays great vulnerability, affection, and unfulfilled ambitions in a way that we can all relate to.

I feel that I knew people just like that, in 60's London, though I probably didn't, not quite in that way. I'm so glad I was "around" in the 60's, and yes I remember it, and yes, I really was there. < less

 

Withnail (Grant) and Marwood (McGann) are two out-of work actors living in a squalid Camden Town flat, who decide to take a break in the country to "rejuvenate". They ... more >

Withnail (Grant) and Marwood (McGann) are two out-of work actors living in a squalid Camden Town flat, who decide to take a break in the country to "rejuvenate". They purloin a cottage from Withnail's corpulent and obviously-gay Uncle Monty (Griffiths), who then tails them to their destination having, it eventually transpires, been led to believe - incorrectly - by Withnail that Marwood is of a similar, erm, 'bent' to himself. Marwood has to use his wits to fend off Monty's advances before discovering that he has landed a role at a Manchester theatre. The pair return to London briefly before Marwood takes off, leaving Withnail to muse on an uncertain future in solitude.

This, basically, is the story of Withnail And I, but there is little real plot as such. This is more like a series of loosely-related sketches, and deeper analysis is fairly speculative and arbitrary. Is the despotic Withnail teetering on the verge of nervous collapse? Does he actually himself harbour 'feelings' towards pretty-boy Marwood? Do we care?

This is of little consequence. The film's appeal lies almost solely in the spot-on portrayal of the characters - the three leads are all unremittingly brilliant - and their eminently quotable, laught-out-loud funny dialogue. For example, Withnail tries to discourage Marwood from leaving him alone in the cottage by explaining that "those are the sort of windows that faces look in at", whilst Monty - all thespian pomp and bluster - explains his dislike of raw meat to Marwood by recalling how "as a youth, I used to weep in butcher's shops". There are visual gags aplenty too - the plucked chicken that needs its feet and Withnail shooting fish to name but two.

Withnail and I is a unique, curiously uncomplicated and quintessentially British film. It is also perhaps the definitive 'cult classic'. Just remember to shut the gate...
< less

View all 24 of Dan Macklin’s reviews

 

Set in the twilight year of the 1960s, ‘Withnail and I’ follows the antics of two desperate, out of work actors, Withnail and Marwood, as they seek to get away from th... more >

Set in the twilight year of the 1960s, ‘Withnail and I’ follows the antics of two desperate, out of work actors, Withnail and Marwood, as they seek to get away from their booze fuelled existence in the squalor of their London flat for an idyllic retreat in the country. The two prove to be somewhat unprepared for rural life however, as their weekend of rest and relaxation disintegrates into a daily struggle for food and warmth.

‘Withnail and I’ is a madcap and bizarre and hilarious film that has become a cult classic that spans generations. It’s a must have for every respectable Video or DVD collection.
< less