Withnail And I

Bruce Robinson, UK 1986, 108 minutes

Possibly the only film to start with a full on, drug induced panic attack, Withnail and I is a cult classic that truly deserves its reputation as one of the funniest British films ever made.

Set in London, at the tail-end of the 60’s, two unemployed actors, (perversely, elegantly wasted Withnail [Richard E. Grant] and anxiety-ridden ‘I’ [Paul McGann]) drown their frustrations in alcohol, drugs and lighter fluid. When Withnail’s Uncle Monty (Richard Griffiths) offers his cottage in the country, they jump at the chance to escape the squalor of their London life. They soon realise, however, that they’ve let themselves in for more that they expected when faced by the inhospitable locals, randy bulls, and an unexpected visit from Uncle Monty…

This film is essentially a semi-autobiographical account of director Bruce Robinson’s experiences during the 60’s, and a highly funny one at that. As Withnail, Grant gives one of the best performances of his career, deftly careening from self-indulgent ranting on the injustices of his career to subdued melancholy, whilst managing to pull off some of the most quotable lines in film history.

Whilst it’s easy to spot how well Withnail is played given the flamboyance of the character, it’s worth commenting on the performances of McGann and Griffiths in their significantly more subdued roles. McGann is the straight man of the two as ‘I’, and does an admirable job of reigning in the excesses of Withnail, whilst coping with his general feelings of (most likely) drug-induced anxiety. Griffiths is also excellent as Uncle Monty, as is Ralph Brown in his role as Danny, an entrepreneurial drug-dealer back in London.

Despite its status as comedy, the film is infused with a sense of melancholy, and touches on themes such as the loss of friendship and dealing with the end of the 60’s, recession and the emergence of Thatcherism. This is summed up in Withnails final scene, an infinitely moving and tragic self-realisation that rounds off a film that manages to be hilariously, stupidly funny through its observation of desperation, self-loathing and good old-fashioned British eccentricity.

Review by Ben Corbey
Written for EUFS Programme Spring 2009

From the people who also brought you How to get ahead in Advertising this is one of the most successful British cult movies of recent times and virtually every character in it has since gone on to fame... from Richard E Grant (in Dracula and Franz Kafka's It's a Wonderful Life), Paul McGann (in the Monocled Mutineer and the less successful Dr Who), Michael Elphick (in Boon, and The Elephant Man) and Richard Griffiths (in Pie in the Sky).

The film is a definitively English one, set in a litter strewn flat of two `resting' actors in North London: the almost aristocratic Withnail (Richard E Grant) and the more quietly spoken and saner Marwood or `I' of the title (Paul McGann). Robinson, who also wrote the film, based it on the exploits and stories of actor friends who apparently did live like this in the late 1960s.

The action is set in the duo's flat in 1969, where the pair feel run down after constant bingeing on booze, drugs and lighter fluid (in one great scene, the duo are about to get beaten up in the pub for wearing perfume used to cover the smell after Withnail vomits lighter fuel all over `I').

Feeling a little the worse for wear, Withnail tries to persuade his eccentric and highly camp Uncle Monty (Griffiths, who almost steals the show with an excellent supporting performance) to lend them his country cottage for the weekend. Unfortunately Withnail has actually bribed Monty, telling him that Marwood is gay, has been "cottaging" and fancies Monty.

The action then jumps to the countryside. The city dwellers are completely ill-equipped to deal with it; Withnail suffering hilarious drug paranoia.

Grant provides an excellent performance as the loud mouthed, cynical, low life bohemian Withnail, with McGann almost on the sidelines as the straight man.

Scenes to watch out for include all those starring the excellent Griffiths and, on returning to London, the scene where the two discover their flat has been taken over by their dealer, Danny (Ralph Brown). There follows the infamous "Camberwell Carrot" scene as well as the afro'd "spade in the bath" bit.

This is (literally) a dopey film, complete with non-sensical end of the decade garble bit from the bull****ing, stoned dealer Danny. Although patchy, the film has many unforgettable scenes and is the definitive student cult classic.

Watch with red eyes and appreciate the surreal capers of the failed bohemians before they got big.

Review by Stephen J Brennan
Taken from EUFS Programme 1997-98

Withnail (Richard E. Grant) and "I" (Paul McCann) are two out of work actors in 1969 London. They live on booze and fags in their rapidly disintegrating Camden Town flat, but boredom, financial difficulties and something alive in the sink persuade them to take a break "I" suggests Uncle Monty's country cottage so off they go. However not only is the cottage in a worse state of decay than the flat and the locals a trifle wierd, but Withnail has made a bargain with Uncle Monty, (Richard Griffiths) of which his friend is totally unaware.

Robinson's semi-autobiographical debut feature (he wrote the script for The Killing Fields) is a funny and original depiction of the end of an era, but it's a lot more than just esoteric reminiscences. The plot is cleverly revealed and the characters are skilfully drawn, from the witty acetic Withnail to his innocent flat-mate and his whimsical uncle, though the brilliant acting (especially Grant) helps here. Grant and Robinson went on to make How To Get Ahead In Advertising.

With a thumping soundtrack that incudes Dylan and Hendrix this has to be the most underrated comedy of the decade. Anyone who can roll me a Camberwell Carrot will be my instant friend for life.

Review by Stephen Cox
Taken from EUFS Programme 1994-95