8 Ways Beatle Turned Producer George Harrison Saved British Cinema
3. Handmade Films Bounces Back With Comedy Masterpiece Withnail & I (1987)
Frequently cited as one of the funniest British comedies ever made (alongside Life of Brian), Bruce Robinson's autobiographical and booze fuelled Withnail & I saw Handmade Films return to its independent cinema roots. While only a modest financial hit, Withnail & I has become a cultural touchstone in British cinema and is now regarded as a true classic. The beloved comedy stars Paul McGann and Richard E Grant as struggling actors who decide to go on holiday in the countryside only to find themselves ill-equipped and too drunk to rough it in the relative wilderness. Hilarity and heartfelt character development ensue Thanks to Harrison's connections in the music industry he helped secure music rights to rock classics from the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Harrison's old band, The Beatles, to the film's soundtrack. Original album tracks from the Beatles are actually a relative rarity on film soundtracks.
Despite a fear of using plastic cutlery and drinking overly milky brews, Dave is open to indulging in most other things at least once especially when it comes to movies and music.
10 of his favourite films are: Masaki Kobayashi's Hara-Kiri, Ingmar Bergman's Persona, Martin Brest's Midnight Run, Lawrence Kasdan's The Big Chill, Vittorio De Sica's Bicycle Thieves, Peter Medak's The Ruling Class, H.G. Clouzot's Les Diaboliques, Hector Babenco's Kiss of the Spider Woman, Fritz Lang's The Testament of Dr. Mabuse and Sidney Lumet's Network.
