About Withnail and I

Withnail and I, released in 1987, is a British black comedy film which has since gained a large cult following. The plot revolves around two unemployed young actors, Withnail and "I", living in London in 1969. Their life consists of sarcasm, drunkenness, and deprivation. Seeking relief from their chaotic city lives, they decide to vacation in the country, though their lack of survival skills becomes readily apparent.

Making / Production

The film was written and directed by Bruce Robinson and based on his own life in London. Despite the initial struggle to get the film financed, HandMade Films, George Harrison's company, took a gamble on the script. The film was shot within seven weeks and much of it was filmed in the Lake District and at an old Irish rectory.

Actors

• Richard E. Grant (Withnail): Grant played the character Withnail, a self-obsessed out-of-work actor. His performance is remembered for its eccentricity and dramatic flair.
• Paul McGann ("I"): McGann played the unnamed character "I", the slightly more grounded of the two. McGann's character acts as the film's moral compass and his interactions with Grant's character provide much of the humour.
• Richard Griffiths (Uncle Monty): Griffiths played Uncle Monty, Withnail's eccentric and lonely uncle. His comedic timing and lovable naivety brought a new depth to the film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film had a variety of working titles, including "The Famous Five", "The Boys in the Back Room", and "Peruvian Time."
• Ralph Brown, who played Danny, was stoned during most of his scenes as he felt it helped his performance.
• Withnail's lighter was a genuine antique from World War I.

Awards

Despite its cult status, Withnail and I did not win any major film awards. However, it has been highly rated in various polls and was ranked 29th in the British Film Institute’s Top 100 British films of the 20th Century.

Quotes

• "We want the finest wines available to humanity. And we want them here, and we want them now!" - Withnail
• "I have some extremely distressing news. We’ve just run out of wine." - "I"
• "Flowers are essentially tarts. Prostitutes for the bees." - Withnail

Music, Soundtrack

• The Jimi Hendrix Experience - "All Along the Watchtower"
• King Curtis - "A Whiter Shade of Pale"
• Duffy Power - "Love's Gonna Go"