Robert W Monk reviews the new release of Withnail & I…
Withnail & I, 1987.
Written and Directed by Bruce Robinson.
Starring Richard E.Grant, Paul McGann, Richard Griffiths, Ralph Brown and Michael Elphick.
SYNOPSIS:
Two London based ‘resting’ actors and flatmates, Withnail and Marwood, decide to embark on a holiday in the countryside…
Withnail & I is, without any squabbling, a definitive cult film. Gathering a steady pull of devotees and fans following its release first on VHS and then DVD, the film has inspired countless festivals, conventions and – most famously of all – high intensity drinking games. This restored dual format DVD/Blu-ray release captures much of this ongoing fandom with all sorts of lovingly created extras and features, including four documentaries originally shown in 1999 exploring the world of Withnail.
Focusing on actor turned writer and filmmaker Robinson’s – in the form of I (named as Marwood in the script) – early life in the late sixties Camden Town with the titular Withnail, a heavy drinking and under employed “trained actor reduced to the states of a bum”, the film is probably one of the most quotable and quoted British films of all time. Practically every scene is memorable, everything works on multiple levels and every performer gives their all. Indeed in Grant’s case, in particular, it is without any doubt, a career defining role.
The actual plot is largely incidental to the joy of the dark slapstick performances and dialogue. But to outline briefly then, the two flatmates (Grant and McGann) need a break from London life and the creeping claustrophobia and ever rising ‘matter’ in the sink, and head off to Withnail’s uncle’s holiday home in the country. More drinks, more misunderstandings and more tragic-comic revelry ensues.
As well as Withnail’s favourite brand of lighter fluid, the devil is indeed in the details, and in the case of this particular film it’s a fact. Camberwell carrot or two pints of cider, ice in the cider? You decide. Put this on the box though. It is still bloody funny and remains essential viewing.
The 4K restored version brings all sorts of colours out, although not to Withnail’s face, which remains as ashen as ever. A shedload of extras adds to the release’s value, keeping the party going well into the early/late night or day. But who cares about time? Even a stopped clock gives the right time twice a day. There. That’s my fave. Everyone’s got one, don’t they?
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Robert W Monk is a freelance journalist and film writer.
Originally published October 27, 2014. Updated April 13, 2018.
