The finest film available to humanity. (Withnail And I (DVD))

Member Name: bondgirlk8

Product:	Withnail And I (DVD)
Date:	28/10/08 (406 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Entertaing, funny, touching - a classic

Disadvantages: You will NEVER stop quoting it

Withnail and I is a British film written and directed by Bruce Robinson, and released in 1987. It is, by far, one of my all time favourite films and one that for me stands out as a fine example of how good British cinema can really be.

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Plot
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Withnail and I are two out-of-work actors in London in 1969. They share a filthy, poky and freezing flat in Camden Town which "possibly" has rats. Here their lives have deteriorated to an existence of collecting Social Security, waiting for the call from their agent that never comes, and wearing Deep Heat cream in an attempt to keep warm.

In an attempt to gain a change of scenery and some form of recuperation, they head to the country to stay in a cottage owned by Withnail's Uncle Monty. However, the combination of cold and rainy weather, the run-down state of the cottage, the lack of any food or fuel and hostile locals means that the holiday doesn't really go to plan.

It is not a complex plot, and there is little to describe. The focus of the film is the characters, their interactions with each other, and the wonderful dialogue that such colourful characters exchange.

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Key Characters
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WITHNAIL - Richard E Grant

Withnail is a flamboyant, self-absorbed, arrogant alcoholic who is utterly unemployable. He had a privileged upbringing, yet still sees life as hugely unfair and blames everyone else for the injustices he feels that world has thrown at him. Despite this, he is an entertaining and amusing character with an adventurous spirit.

This was Richard E Grant's first film role, and he gives an outstanding performance as Withnail. The character description suggests he could be extremely unlikable, yet Grant brings a warmth to the character that allows you to empathise and connect with him. This role launched Grant's career, and it is easy to see why.


"I" (MARWOOD) - Paul McGann

"I", referred to in the film script as Marwood, is the quiet and reserved friend and flatmate to Withnail. He is anxiety ridden and somewhat neurotic, but is the more grounded and responsible of the two. He provides narration to the movie and the film is loosely from his perspective.

Paul McGann is very well cast in this role, and provides a perfect balance to Grant's Withnail.


UNCLE MONTY - Richard Griffiths

Monty is the eccentric uncle of Withnail who lives in a grand but run-down cottage in the country which is as dusty as Monty himself. He is a well-off, well-educated pomp who lives in a nostalgic version of reality which he has created for himself. He used to 'dabble' in the theatre himself and is the kind to recite Hamlet and quote poetry. He has intentions towards Marwood after Withnail gives him the wrong idea over Marwood's sexuality.

Richard Griffiths is as fabulous as ever in the sinister yet likeable role of Monty. He has some of the best lines in the film and delivers them wonderfully. He is very well cast in this role and it fully lives up to what can be expected from this brilliant actor.

DANNY - Ralph Brown

Danny is a drug-dealing hippy who can often be found loitering around the flat that Withnail and Marwood share. He always looks pretty wasted and is mourning the end of the sixties which he refers to as "the greatest decade in the history of mankind" and as pointed out by his friend, Presuming Ed, "we failed to paint it black". Ralph Brown's performance in this role is superb, and highly entertaining.


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Soundtrack
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The soundtrack for Withnail & I, although no longer available to purchase, fits the movie and the period in which it is set very well. As well as tracks written specifically for the film, it includes tracks from Jimi Hendrix and an original recording (as opposed to a cover version) of a track by The Beatles - a rare occurrence for a film soundtrack made possible by George Harrison's involvement as one of the film's producers.
The full track listing is:

1. "A Whiter Shade of Pale (live)" - King Curtis - 5:25
2. "The Wolf" - David Dundas & Rick Wentworth - 1:33
3. "All Along the Watchtower (live)" - Jimi Hendrix - 4:10
4. "To The Crow" - David Dundas & Rick Wentworth - 2:22
5. "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" (live)" - Jimi Hendrix - 4:28
6. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" - Beatles - 4:44
7. "Marwood Walks" - David Dundas & Rick Wentworth - 2:14
8. "Monty Remembers" - David Dundas & Rick Wentworth - 2:02
9. "La Fite" - David Dundas & Rick Wentworth - 1:10
10. "Hang Out The Stars In Indiana" - Al Bowlly & New Mayfair Dance Orchestra - 1:35
11. "Crow Crag" - David Dundas & Rick Wentworth - 0:56
12. "Cheval Blanc" - David Dundas & Rick Wentworth - 1:15
13. "My Friend" - Charlie Kunz - 1:28
14. "Withnail's Theme" - David Dundas & Rick Wentworth - 2:40


Like any good soundtrack, it fully supports the tone of the film and adds depth rather than distracting from the action.


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Cast List
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Withnail: Richard E. Grant
Marwood "I": Paul McGann
Uncle Monty: Richard Griffiths
Danny: Ralph Brown
Jake: Michael Elphick
Irishman: Daragh O'Malley
Isaac Parkin: Michael Wardle
Mrs Parkin: Una Brandon-Jones
General: Noel Johnson
Waitress: Irene Sutcliffe
Tea Shop Proprietor: Llwellyn Rees
Policeman One: Robert Oates
Policeman Two: Anthony Wise
Presuming Ed: Eddie Tagoe


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DVD Extras
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As far as extras on the DVD go, I can't really comment as I still have my VHS copy which has lasted a surprising number of years given the amount of play it has had. My understanding, however, is that the DVD contains a 30 minute documentary which includes interviews with Richard E Grant (Withnail), Paul McGann(..and I), Bruce Robinson (writer/director), Ralph Brown (Danny) and other production related people. It has been described as "a funny and enthralling look at the people and the ideas behind the film".


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My Opinion
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Withnail and I is an exceptional film which I regard not only as a classic, but perhaps my favourite film of all time.

It is incredibly funny, but not in a 'jokes' or 'slapstick' way. It is much more intelligent than that and uses subtle humour to outstanding effect, most of it arising from the situations and the dialogue - possibly the most quotable dialogue of any film ever made. It is as poignant as well as funny with some moving and very touching moments.

The characters are superb and finely acted. It would have been easy for such characters to overshadow each other and fail to work together, but instead they compliment each other really well.

In my opinion, it is a perfect film that you cannot fail to enjoy and represents British filmmaking at its best. Watch it once and it will always stick with you. Watch it again, and you'll be quoting it for the rest of your life.


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Additional Information
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Director: Bruce Robinson
Year: 1987
Cert: 15
Running time: 107 minutes
Awards: Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Screenplay (1987)


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Availability
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Withnail and I can be purchased from the below online retailers. The prices shown are correct as of today (28/10/2008) and include all postage and packaging costs.

The Hut : £4.68
LoveFilm : £4.93
SelectCheaper : £4.95
Asda : £5.23
SendIt.com : £5.49
Currys Entertainment : £5.93
Dixons Entertainment : £5.97

© BondgirlK8 October 2008

Summary: Better than cakes and fine wine.