Writer Bruce Robinson had already been Oscar nominated for his screenplay for The Killing Fields. This was his directorial debut as it is semi autobiographical.
Set in the fag end of 1969 London. Narcissistic, acerbic and egoistic Withnail (Richard E Grant) and bemused and reflective Marwood (Paul McGann) are struggling actors living in a squalid flat. The kitchen sink is a disgusting piece of art in itself.
Both are on social security, drink and drugs with Withnail trying lighter fluid when alcohol runs out. Their local drug dealer is Danny (Ralph Brown) who concocts all kinds of exotic substances such as the Camberwell Carrot.
With no money and fancying a holiday break. Withnail persuades Marwood to go to his Uncle Monty's (Richard Griffiths) holiday cottage in the Lake District. Marwood does not know yet that Withnail has intimated to his uncle that young Marwood is innocent and gay.
At the Lake District the locals are far from charmed by Withnail's histrionics. Uncle Monty arrives late at night and makes a play for Marwood who is shocked by his predatory behaviour.
I watched this film soon after its original release and was underwhelmed by it. Over the years Withnail & I has acquired a reputation of being one of the great British cult movies. The one with the most quotable lines and Richard E Grant's debut film. I have to say it still feels like an episodic grungy black comedy.
The characters are oddballs and pretty shallow. Although you sense it is always going to be the 'I' of the title, Marwood who will grow up and break out at the end. There is a bittersweet soliloquy by Withnail at the end of the movie.
Set in the fag end of 1969 London. Narcissistic, acerbic and egoistic Withnail (Richard E Grant) and bemused and reflective Marwood (Paul McGann) are struggling actors living in a squalid flat. The kitchen sink is a disgusting piece of art in itself.
Both are on social security, drink and drugs with Withnail trying lighter fluid when alcohol runs out. Their local drug dealer is Danny (Ralph Brown) who concocts all kinds of exotic substances such as the Camberwell Carrot.
With no money and fancying a holiday break. Withnail persuades Marwood to go to his Uncle Monty's (Richard Griffiths) holiday cottage in the Lake District. Marwood does not know yet that Withnail has intimated to his uncle that young Marwood is innocent and gay.
At the Lake District the locals are far from charmed by Withnail's histrionics. Uncle Monty arrives late at night and makes a play for Marwood who is shocked by his predatory behaviour.
I watched this film soon after its original release and was underwhelmed by it. Over the years Withnail & I has acquired a reputation of being one of the great British cult movies. The one with the most quotable lines and Richard E Grant's debut film. I have to say it still feels like an episodic grungy black comedy.
The characters are oddballs and pretty shallow. Although you sense it is always going to be the 'I' of the title, Marwood who will grow up and break out at the end. There is a bittersweet soliloquy by Withnail at the end of the movie.