... Withnail and I is the semi autobiographical tale of Bruce Robinson, the films’ writer and director. The extra features include a documentary on the making of the film, including interviews with the crew, cast and even the great man himself. For this reason, I snapped up a copy at the bargain ... Read review
Set in 1969, the year in which the hippy dreams of so many young Englishmen went sour, ... more
1986's Bruce Robinson'sWithnail and Iis an enduring British cult. Fellow enthusiasts cry immortal phrases from the endlessly brilliant script to one another like mat...
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Set in 1969, the year in which the hippy dreams of so many young Englishmen went sour, ... more
1986's Bruce Robinson'sWithnail and Iis an enduring British cult. Fellow enthusiasts cry immortal phrases from the endlessly brilliant script to one another like mat...
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London. The '60s. two unemployed actors - acerbic, elegantly wasted Withnail (Richard E. ... more
Grant) and the anxiety-ridden I (Paul McGann) - drown their frustrations in booze, pills, and lighter fluid. When Withnail's Uncle Monty (Richard Griffiths) offers...
Set in 1969, the year in which the hippy dreams of so many young Englishmen went sour, ... more
1986's Bruce Robinson'sWithnail and Iis an enduring British cult. Fellow enthusiasts cry immortal phrases from the endlessly brilliant script to one another like mat...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Set in 1969, the year in which the hippy dreams of so many young Englishmen went sour, ... more
1986's Bruce Robinson'sWithnail and Iis an enduring British cult. Fellow enthusiasts cry immortal phrases from the endlessly brilliant script to one another like mat...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
London. The ’60s. Two unemployed actors-acerbic, elegantly wasted Withnail ... more
(Richard E. Grant) and the anxiety-ridden ”I” (Paul McGann) – drown their frustrations in booze, pills and lighter fluid. When Withnail’s Uncle Monty (Richard Griffiths) offers his cottage, they escape the squalor of their flat for a week in the country, but soon realise they’ve gone on holiday by mistake when their wits – and friendship – are sorely tested by violent downpours, less-than-hospitable locals, and empty cupboards.
Production Year: 1992 - Comedy - Director: Tim Robbins - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Ray Wise, Alan Rickman, Giancarlo Esposito, Tim Robbins
Production Year: 2004 - Comedy - Director: John Hay - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jimi Mistry, Kate Miles, Dougray Scott
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Advantages: Classic film perfect in every way Disadvantages: Some swearing and references to drugs
...this old favourite of mine. Withnail and I is the semi autobiographical tale of Bruce Robinson, the films’ writer and director. The extra features include a documentary on the making of the film, including interviews with the crew, cast and even the great man himself. For this reason, I snapped up a copy at the bargain price of £7. Was it worth it? Well, read on and I’ll tell you more!
The story
***********
...times are changing. Withnail and “I” (“I” will be referred to as Marwood from here) are two out of work actors from two very different worlds, both sharing the same London flat. Consuming vast amounts of alcohol and popping pills is an every day occurrence for the unemployed pair, as they try to cope with their mundane lives on the dole and the occasional visits from Danny "a purveyor of rare herbs and prescribed medicines"
more
Being a recent convert to DVD’s I was browsing the Internet for something to add to my somewhat limited collection. Unfortunately there are not really many films that I want to buy on DVD, at least none that I don’t already own on video. The extra features that are often provided with this new format can be interesting, but rarely worth the extra expense of purchasing a film twice. So I was really pleased to stumble across this old favourite of mine. Withnail and I is the semi autobiographical tale of Bruce Robinson, the films’ writer and director. The extra features include a documentary on the making of the film, including interviews with the crew, cast and even the great man himself. For this reason, I snapped up a copy at the bargain price of £7. Was it worth it? Well, read on and I’ll tell you more!
The story ***********
It is the end of the sixties and the times are changing. Withnail and “I” (“I” will be referred to as Marwood from here) are two out of work actors from two very different worlds, both sharing the same London flat. Consuming vast amounts of alcohol and popping pills is an every day occurrence for the unemployed pair, as they try to cope with their mundane lives on the dole and the occasional visits from Danny "a purveyor of rare herbs and prescribed medicines"
Desperate to escape their miserable existence for a few days, the downtrodden pair procure the key to “Crow Cragg” a country cottage belonging to Withnails’ homosexual Uncle Monty and set off to the Lake district in search of rest and recuperation.
Upon arrival, it soon becomes clear that the pair are even less capable of looking after themselves in the country, than they were in the city. Inhospitable locals, an angry bull and an aggressive poacher named Jake all add to the hapless duo’s problems. But it is not until Withnails’ Uncle Monty arrives on the scene that their troubles really start, particularly for Marwood who finds himself the centre of Monty’s attention!
I will say no more on the plot to avoid spoiling the story for anyone has yet to see the film!
The DVD version ********************
This DVD provides you with an exclusive uncut Widescreen version of the film with dolby surround sound. In addition, you are also treated to the 1999 documentary on the film called “ Withnail and Us”, optional commentary from actors Paul McGann and Ralph Brown and behind the scenes stills from Ralph Steadman.
As for being the uncut version, well I guess that there are not really any spectacular changes from the original film. Except perhaps that there is more scenery to look at and the occasional extra line fitted in here and there. So nothing particularly special added here, but as the original is near enough perfect anyway, I guess it doesn’t really matter.
The main reason for purchasing this DVD for me was the documentary that came with the film. Admittedly some of it is quite pointless. Personally I am not interested in knowing how low ranking 'would-be' celebrities and musicians enjoyed the film. However, interviews with the cast and crew were extremely interesting. My favourite part being the interview with Bruce Robinson. The film was after all, based on his life and I sat engrossed as he explained how some of the lead characters were based on people he new. It is from this interview that the name 'Marwood' sprang. Throughout the film “I’s” name is not mentioned and it is only from this interview that I could establish the fact that he ever had a name at all! Something else he mentioned was the fact that it was his directorial debut and he really had no idea of how to make a film. So on the first day of shooting he stood up in front of the cast and crew an asked them to give him a hand. They of course obliged and the rest as they say is history!
One really great bonus for me on the DVD was the commentary provided by Paul McGann who plays 'Marwood' and Ralph Brown who plays 'Danny' the philosophical drug dealer. Most commentaries I have heard to date, on other DVD’s at least, are all right, but quite often become very boring, very quickly. This was not the case with these two. Perhaps it is because I enjoy the film so much and was genuinely interested in learning more about it, but I found the commentary to be both entertaining and incredibly interesting. Little snipets of information such as when and where certain scenes were shot, what were their favourite lines, how they all got on, etc. This was a real bonus for me, and one that I think most fans will greatly appreciate and enjoy.
There is so much more I could say about the film but this review would go on forever. I haven’t even touched on the great soundtrack featuring classics such as ‘Voodoo Chile’ and ‘All Along the Watchtower’ performed by the great Jimi hendrix or ‘While my guitar gently weeps’ performed by The Beatles. The cast is superb, Richard E. Grant who plays ‘Withnail’ is the most convincing drunk I have ever seen and this is even more impressive when you learn that in reality, the actor is tea-total! Paul McGann is totally believable as the naïve ‘Marwood’ and Ralph Brown is hilarious as the spaced out philosophising drug dealer ‘Danny’. Richard Griffiths is both wonderfully over the top and pitiful as the desperate homosexual ‘Uncle Monty’ and Michael Elphic makes a nice appearance as ‘Jake’ the dark and menacing poacher. The scenery filmed in the countryside is beautiful and the scenes shot in London, gritty and very atmospheric. The script is fantastic and will arm you with some fantastic lines to quote at people for years to come. I for one can often be seen shouting “SCRUBBERRRRRRS” out of the window at the top of my voice, as I drive to work in the morning! When offering friends lifts in my car they are often treated to a “GET IN THE BACK OF THE VAN” as they open the car door and of course “I feel like a pig shat in my head” has been used after many a drunken night out! What on earth am I quoting? Watch the film and all will become clear!
If you haven’t watched the film yet I would thoroughly recommend getting hold of a copy now. For those that have seen it and are true fans of the film, go out and buy the DVD version, the extras are a must for any worshippers of this superb cult classic!
I’ll leave you with my favourite quote from the film, provide by Danny the drug dealer. Have wiser words ever been spoken!
“I don’t advise a haircut man. All hairdressers are in the employment of the government. Hairs are your aerials, they pick up signals from the cosmos and transmit them directly to the brain. This is the reason that bald men are uptight!”
Withnail and I has not only become one of the classic films of underground British cinema, it also launched the careers of two up and coming actors who are today household names. At the time Paul McGann was beginning to get noticed for his work, and was cast in the role of "I ", we never find out the characters name. Along side him the virtually unknown Richard E Grant was cast as Withnail and the coupling produced one of the best double acts in ... ...that have become the norm. Withnail persuades his rich uncle Monty to let them have use of a holiday cottage in the country and so the two city boys head off into an adventure of utter chaos as they find themselves even more out of their depth than usual. Add to this the arrival of Uncle Monty who has designs on his nephews young friend and you have the basis of the film.
Although the plot seems to be nothing out of the ordinary, what makes this ...
steerpyke 19.09.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Withnail And I (DVD)
Advantages: Probably the best British situation-comedy ever. Disadvantages: Trying to live the dream and waking up in the gutter.
...my life is far more Withnail than it is Tom Cruise (probably with a dose of “Forrest Gump” thrown in too…)
The film is available on both DVD and video. If you’re like me, you’ll have both, just in case one breaks. But I would recommend the DVD if you’re a first-time buyer- the inclusion of “Withnail & Us”, a superb documentary about the making the film, is worth the few extra quid alone. If there is a disadvantage to “Withnail & I”, it’s that it ... ...thing, it reveals most of what we’ve turned out in recent years to be the inadequate test-reel it is. A personal gripe perhaps, but one that’s not easy to dispute. Otherwise, I’d say be careful because this film makes the descent into total dysfunctionalism seem so damn appealing that you’ll be rubbing your self in Deep Heat, donning a dirty coat and heading off to the country with a case of vintage chardonnay in no time! ...
Bodd 03.11.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Withnail And I (DVD)
Advantages: You'll watch again and again and again..... Disadvantages: You'll want to be Withnail
...of lines that has made Withnail a classic for just about everyone born since 1960.
What makes the film is not the plot. A pair of drunken out of work actors decide to 'get away for a while' after a particularly arduous binge and end up in a dilapidated old cottage in the middle of the Lakes. Throw in Withnail's perverted old uncle, Danny the 'purveyor of rare and prescribed substances', a psychotic poacher and various add ons and there you have ... ...just what is it about Withnail & I, well with all these things taken into consideration, it has, as Uncle Monty says a certain 'Je ne sais quoi' sheer brilliance that can only be defined by someone much cleverer than me: Bruce Robinson perhaps??
The Main Characters:
Withnail: the lead of this piece and it seems to be the only lead he will ever play. He is a fool, arrogant, has aristocratic pretentions, believes he is infinitely more talented, good ...
eljefe 08.02.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Withnail And I (DVD)
Advantages: Excellent classic film of the 80's - becomming a cult film Disadvantages: Not suitable for children because of swearing, etc.
...refuse the offer of a Withnail evening at one of my new friends’ flats? The scene was set as I arrived, armed with a bottle of wine (unfortunately not a ‘53 Margaux) and an open mind; the table was filled with an array of wine bottles, cider by the gallon, bottles of gin and whisky and a bottle of Sherry that looked quite out of place.
Like a lamb to the slaughter, I accepted this initiation into the wonderful world of Withnail and I.
... ...end of the 1960’s. Withnail and I (although the “I” character’s name is never mentioned in the film, the cognoscenti know his is Peter Marwood) are a couple of unemployed actors from different ends of the social spectrum.
Withnail is a Harrow educated dilettante, and rather upper crust; his flatmate Marwood is a grammar school boy with a slightly more serious outlook on life. To escape from the squalor of their grim, unemployed, ...
TrueChristian 04.12.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Withnail And I (DVD)
...it, they are missing out! Withnail and I is one of the all time classic British cult films!
The Cast
********
Richard E Grant – Withnail
Paul McGann – "I"
Richard Griffiths – Uncle Monty
Ralph Brown – Danny
Michael Elphick – The Poacher
The story
*********
Withnail and I are two drunken, drugged up out of work actors. Living in squalor in a Camden flat. They wake up one day and realise it is just 90 days until ... ...can help them, a holiday. Withnail comes from a rich family and is convinced by "I" to contact his Uncle Monty. Monty has a holiday cottage in the country and agrees to let the two stay there for for a while. Little did "I" know that Monty has an alterior motive for his generosity, a penchant for young actors!
The charcters
*************
Withnail is a classically trained actor slowly losing his mind from boredoom and the excesses that fill his ...
Judgee 15.10.2001 (16.10.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Withnail And I (DVD)
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Advantages: I didn't fall asleep Disadvantages: none
Withnail and I......
I have just watched a film for the first time in months without actually falling asleep and I think this is due to the fact that it was such a great film.
Background.....
This film was made in 1986 but is set in the late 1960's. It has many famous people the I recognised in it and I do believe that most of these actors became so famous after appearing in this film. Richard E Grant plays Withnail and Paul McGann plays ?and I?. Other appearances include Richard Griffiths who I know from playing Harry Potters Uncle in all the HP films.
The film was apparently quite a ?cult? film in its day and is said to be one of Britain's biggest cult films. The film is actually taken from an unpublished novel written in 1969 by an author called ?Bruce Robinson? and the work is based upon his life in London ...
Advantages: British Cult Classic Disadvantages: None (and I mean, NONE)
"Hi, my name is Jonny"
Audience encouragement, "Hi, Jonny"
"And I've got a watching addiction with Withnail and I"
*phew* Glad I got that off my chest
But the funny thing is though; I'm not the only person who has done countless of quotes from this film, especially, and isn't this an irony, when I've been drinking.
The setting is London in the late sixties and follows the story of two unemployed actors, Withnail (Richard E. Grant) and I (Paul McGann). They escape to a cottage for the weekend after being offered the keys by Uncle Monty (Richard Griffiths), thus, they escape the squat of their flat and drug dealer Danny (Ralph Brown) and make for the countryside, until they realise they went on holiday by mistake. Cue drowning your sorrows in booze, pills, lighter fluid and a Camberwell carrot.
The very fact that this film ...
'Have you been at the controls...?'
What can I say that hasn't been said already about one of THE best British films of the last 20 years. I originally saw this film at the cinema when it was first released. I loved it then and after countless reruns I love it still. Like most of it's avid fans I can quote most of the legendary script; with dry one-liners and scathing comment it seemed to sum up the ending of the 60s perfectly, as does the classic soundtrack.
This re-released and remastered DVD includes some great extras, with the artwork, commentary and inciteful documentary adding to the enjoyment of seeing this classic as clear as the day it was shot.
No film collection should be without this most excellent of films - if you haven't seen it yet - what are you waiting for?? If you have - you'll know what I mean... ...
Escaping from their less-than-successful theatrical careers in London, two young impoverished actors, named Withnail and Marwood, set off on an outrageous vacation in the English countryside, at the home of bizarre Uncle Monty.
"...A small, wise, breezy footnote [to the 1960's]....Genuinely funny..." (New York Times, p.C9, 27/03/1987)
"...The humor is both brutal and clever, and the acting uniformly excellent..." (Variety, 11/02/1987)
DVD Description
Writer and director Bruce Robinson's semi-autobiographical account of his early years as an actor has become a comedy cult hit of massive proportions, inspiring countless numbers of young men and women to quote stars Paul McGann and Richard E. Grant and their booze-soaked dialogue, the latter of whom was actually a teetotaller. The story of this melancholic comedy follows these two unemployed actors in 1969 London, as they take a holiday in the country. Trapped inside a dank, empty cabin with each other, an endless downpour of heavy rain battering their roof, the two men form a complicated bond fuelled by booze, disaster, and nihilism. Focusing on characterisation, WITHNAIL AND I is a subtly hilarious 1980s British film.
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