Directed by Bruce Robinson, Withnail & I is often described as one of Britains biggest cult films, and for good reason: featuring the most original, offbeat script ever written, this grubby black comedy is an iconic elegy to the end of the 60s - the end of an era. The film follows two eloquent, unemployed actors and their booze-soaked foray into the English countryside. Withnail (Richard E Grant) and I (known only as Marwood through the screenplay, and played by actor Paul Mcgann) live in a dirty apartment in Camden town, London. Its winter; they have no money and no food. Withnail covers himself in deep heat in an attempt to keep warm, and downs lighter fluid in an attempt to get high. Bleak times, indeed. After two large gins, two pints of cider. Ice in the cider, they decide that they need to escape the filth and cold of their flat for a weekend in the country, so they contact Withnails uncle, Monty (Richard Griffiths), for the loan of his cottage in the Lake District. Withnail & I is a film, not about friendship or thespians, but about passing relationships, momentary interactions and moving on. It is, however, due to Withnails alcoholism, quite a sad story as well, filled with plenty of sorrow.
Jesse Gumbarge is editor and chief blogger at JarvisCity.com - He loves old-school horror films and starting pointless debates. You can reach out at: JesseGumbarge@JarvisCity.com
