Comedy,Drama
United Kingdom
Withnail & I is a British film directed by Bruce Robinson and released in 1987. The black comedy stars Richard E. Grant as Withnail and Paul McGann as Marwood. The film is set in London in 1969 and follows the misadventures of two unemployed actors who spend their days drinking and smoking their way through their limited funds.
Withnail is a self-destructive individual who is constantly drunk. Marwood is his friend and the voice of reason. They both share a cramped flat in Camden Town that is falling apart. The only constant in their lives is their love for alcohol, which leads them to spend most of their time at the local pub.
When they run out of money, Withnail suggests they go on holiday in the countryside by "accident". They travel to a remote cottage owned by Withnail's flamboyant Uncle Monty (Richard Griffiths). As they settle into their rural surroundings, they realize they are ill-equipped for country living, with unpredictable weather and a lack of modern amenities.
Despite their initial excitement, the holiday turns out to be a disaster. They encounter strange locals, including a poacher who threatens them with a shotgun, and are forced to rely on Uncle Monty's unwelcome advances when they run out of supplies. Meanwhile, Marwood's increasing anxiety about their situation and Withnail's decreasing hold on reality lead to a series of confrontations that threaten to destroy their friendship.
Withnail & I is a cult classic that has gained a loyal following over the years. It is known for its witty dialogue, surreal humor and memorable performances. Richard E. Grant's portrayal of Withnail is particularly noteworthy, with the character's tragicomic misadventures serving as a metaphor for the bleakness of life in 1960s England. The film has been praised for its realism, capturing the spirit of a country in decline, and for its authentic depiction of the bohemian lifestyle of struggling actors in London.
