Withnai & I (1987)

Directed and written by: Bruce Robinson
Cast: Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann and Richard Griffiths

The film was about two young guys who were failed actors immersed their failures and frustrations with drugs and alcohol, living at the remnant of the 1960 in one of the London city’s rat-infested flat.  It was written by Bruce Robinson which the story was based on his own experiences.

Being so desperate and no money they came up to that stage of consuming lighter fluid.
Withnail (Richard Grant) and Marwood (Paul McGann) decided to take a restorative holiday in the countryside where Withnail eccentric and homosexual Uncle Monty (Richard Griffiths) owns a cottage. During their stay, Withnail falsely told his Uncle that Marwood is homosexual. That night, Uncle Monty confronted Marwood with his desire but Marwood managed to get off on that situation by telling Uncle Monty about his (Marwood) relationship with Withnail. The next day the two traveled back to London where Marwood learned that a job is waiting for him. He packed and left, believing that this will be the time for his life to be changed without Withnail.

The film colours and textures are somehow relate the time of the setting, camera angles employed but lacking  point of view shots and long shot like many film makers do these days. The film used a lot of swearing, dark humor and homosexual scene. It is dark and lonely; I think some scenes need some background music too. I did not really enjoy the film during the screening session, but I watched it at home and somehow I like the comedy – drama.

References:

Roger Ebert (2011) Withnail and I ([Online] Available at http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090325/REVIEWS08/903259987/1023 [Accessed 15 April 2011]

BBC (2007) Withnail and I [Online] Available at http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2001/11/01/withnail_and_i_1987_review.shtml [Accessed 15 April 2011]

eFilm Critic  (2011) Withnail and I [Online] Available at http://www.efilmcritic.com/review.php?movie=2211 [Accessed 15 April 2011]

Flickering Myth  (2011) Withnail and I [Online] Available at http://flickeringmyth.blogspot.com/2010/10/british-cinema-withnail-i-1987.html [Accessed 15 April 2011]