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 film.
The basic premise is this. It is the last few weeks of the 60s, the two characters are out of work actors who share a squalid flat in London and live on pills, alcohol and grass. They are scared to go near the pile of washing up in the kitchen as it seems to be inhabited and the flat is so cold that they wear numerous layers of clothes to bed. Both the flat mates agree that they need to have a break from the cycle of drugs and poverty 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 film a classic is the acting. A low budget film has nothing to rely on but the skill of its cast, and the three main characters turn in a performance that make this one of the classics of British cinema. Grant as the permenantly half cut Withnail is totally believable, a feat and a half when you discover that he is actually a non-drinker. For some scenes he supposedly drank large Vodkas to get into character, and his performance is the show stealing part of the film. He also gets some of the best lines, from what is an altogether very funny script. In the same way that some people can recite the classic lines of Monty Python, "I demand booze" is destined to become a standard phrase in pubs throughout the land. McGann is the more sensible foil to Grants eccentricities, more down to earth and less emotional, he is the straight man of the piece, the "Ernie Wise" to Grants "Eric Morcambe." Uncle Monty played by Richard Griffiths is a joy to watch. Played with the right mix of campness and aristocratic traits that Griffiths does so well, Uncle Monty becomes the third piece of the unwitting triangle.
With the storyline being so straight forward, the film can almost be viewed as a series of scetches each of which are hilarious in their own right. The fluidity of the scenes seems to have been affected by the open nature of the shooting, a lot of improvisation was tried and tricks such as using vinegar in the place of strong spirits seems to have given some more honest and less acted reactions. There are some classic moments, an encounter with an Irishman who takes a dislike to the pair, produces some great comedy moments, as does the drunken duo dining out in a posh tea room. As I said before this film is all about the acting, and some of the best comedy moments you will see lie in these scenes.
The script was originally intended to be a book only and the "I" character is based somewhat on director Bruce Robinsons younger days. The film is a must for any student, or anyone who has lived in what they considered the flat from hell in their formative years. Whatever you went through and whomever you shared with, it wasnt a patch on these two and their domestic set up....I hope.
In a sentance, one of the most underated and little viewed films of the British Cinema...ever.
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I have been searching for movies to add to my lovefilms account. This one has just been added! Sounds great and I like to watch British movies. Nicky x
DaveHarden 17.01.2005 12:05
I was about to review the film but theres no need after reading this. It's a fantastic film - I must have watched it 30 times or more but not for a while so I think i'll watch it again now! My friend has seen it well over a hundred times and worn out a VHS copy in the process! I think to give too much away in the review would spoil it for the viewer so there's just enough here to whet the appetite. Be warned though - once you're hooked you can't stop re-watching it.
My wife hates it, incidentally....
Oh and, according to the scripts, "I" has the surname Marwood if that's of any use!
elkiedee 07.01.2005 02:19
I really enjoyed this film, and am not sure that it's so underrated - there are 16 reviews here. I bought a copy yesterday on DVD for £5. Luci
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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...
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