Strangely Interesting (Withnail And I (DVD))

Member Name: DavyMichelle

Product:	Withnail And I (DVD)
Date:	23/07/08 (75 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very Witty, Good Acting

Disadvantages: Poor Set Up, Lack of Obvious Comedy

Withnail and I is one of my favourite British films. It stars Richard E Grant and Paul McGann as a pair of quick witted desperate struggling actors just trying to make their way in the world. Richard's character, Withnail, is very dominating and Paul (as "I") is in his shadow throughout.


The flat the pair share is really very funny and in such a complete state that the pair are struggling with an "is it dead or isn't" moment regarding what's in their sink at one point! Things really start to pick up when Withnail's Uncle Monty offers them a trip to the country and the lads go along without Paul McGann's character realising he's going to wind up being hit on by Uncle Month (who's gay).


The humour in this film is very dry and witty throughout which I think appeals to a certain audience, predominantly British of course. I think you have to be in the right frame of mind to enjoy this too. At the end of a hard day's work, you don't really want to be intellectually challenged do you? You want to be entertained. So perhaps a lighter comedy would be in order. But on a Saturday evening when you fancy something a bit different and are in the mood to pay attention, this is a brilliant film to put on.


The production that's gone into this is very limited really as there are very few scenes and locations used. You've got the pig sty flat where the guys live, the country cottage and a few nearby locations. That's your lot. So this film really is all about the witty dialogue above all else. There's plenty of it though so this isn't a boring film - just a very specific one.


I just checked this out on Amazon, and it costs just £2.98 at the moment. At that price, I certainly recommend this. I'm just annoyed to think I probably paid close to a tenner for my copy!

Summary: For Those Days When You Understand Politicians.