Withnail and I

Director: Bruce Robinson

Main stars: Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann, Richard Griffiths ,  Ralph Brown and  Michael Elphick 

Date of Release: 1987

Date viewed: 4/2/12

Brief Summary:

 Sick of their grotty Camden Hovel, two unemployed actors embark on an ’idyllic’ holiday in the countryside with disastrous results. Nonstop rain, a decrepit cottage, no fuel, and empty store cupboards, force Marwood and Withnail to rely on their own survival skills and the threatening locals; both of which leave much to be desired. Problems only heighten with the appearance of Uncle Monty who, although solving the dilemma of malnutrition, brings a new and unwanted agenda to the equation.

My Response:

With little plot, the film revolves around the wit, intellect and personality of each character, created by the wonderful dialogue which is executed flawlessly.

 It’s interesting, that the film wasn’t an immediate success when it first came out, but was thought to be too ‘Individual’ and ‘art house’ because it is now considered one of the best, funniest and indeed most iconic British comedies ever made.

The idyllic, yet comedic setting of the wet countryside and bad weather is very stereotypically British, but in no way mirrors the normal conformities of popular British film, rather highlighting the dreary aspects of English culture and our famous inability to stop complaining no matter what the situation.

If one thing did irritate me about the film, it was the main characters’ inabilities to stop squandering their money on alcohol. The minute either Withnail or Marwood came into any kind of money, they bought spirits, which although intended as a comedic element, did frustrate me a little.