the most quotable film ever known (Withnail And I (DVD))

Member Name: isabellemaelzer

Product:	Withnail And I (DVD)
Date:	15/10/09 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The fabulous quotes

Disadvantages: makes me sad at the end

Withnail and I is my all-time favourite film. I first saw it in the early 90's when I was a student and I have been quoting from it ever since!!
Written and directed by Bruce Robinson and made by HandMade Films in 1986, Withnail and I documents the lives of two failed, I mean, resting actors in Camden at the end of the sixties. "The greatest decade in the history of mankind is over and as presuming Ed here has so consistently pointed out, we have failed to paint it black." They live in a filthy, freezing cold flat, only venturing out to sign on or to go to the pub, where at least they can get warm and get drunk.
To "escape all this hideousness", the men go "on holiday by mistake" (I just can't stop quoting, can I?!!). They hope to rejuvenate in Penrith, but on arrival at Withnail's very gay Uncle Monty's cottage, their spirits do not lift! The rain is unrelenting, they have no food or aspirin and Marwood has a very close shave with Monty, who tries to seduce him in the middle of the night, believing him to be gay too!
Back in London, their flat has been invaded by Presuming Ed and Danny, who builds and shares the infamous Camberwell Carrot! Withnail collapses into frantic drug-induced laughter; Presuming Ed breaks into a Hare Rama chant, while Marwood discovers they have an eviction notice on the flat and starts to get "the fear". This is the turning point for Marwood.
I find the end of the film really dark and sad and I just can't imagine the loneliness and despair Withnail must feel when he returns home without Marwood.
The film's fantastic soundtrack includes 'A Whiter Shade of Pale', played by King Curtis on the saxophone, 'All Along the Watchtower' and 'Voodoo Chile', by Jimi Hendrix.
I have never attempted to play the Withnail and I drinking game, whose one rule is to match Withnail drink for drink throughout the film. I doubt anyone would survive this ridiculous game and I suspect (and hope) no one has ever really played it - it is just an urban myth that surrounds the well-deserved cult status of this unique film.

Summary: my very favourite film