100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 25: Withnail and I

Director: Bruce Robinson

Genre: Drama/ Drama

Runtime: 107 minutes

Year: 1987

Starring: Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann, Richard Griffiths

Description: London 1969 - two 'resting' (unemployed and unemployable) actors, Withnail (Richard E. Grant) and Marwood (Paul McGann), fed up with damp, cold, piles of washing-up, mad drug dealers and psychotic Irishmen, decide to leave their squalid Camden flat for an idyllic holiday in the countryside, courtesy of Withnail's uncle Monty's country cottage. But when they get there, it rains non-stop, there's no food, and their basic survival skills turn out to be somewhat limited. Matters are not helped by the arrival of Uncle Monty (Richard Griffiths), who shows an uncomfortably keen interest in Marwood...

Review: “Withnail and I” is the kind of movie that has a huge cult following in Britain, but surprisingly enough many people haven’t seen it yet. It concerns two out-of-work actors, Withnail and Marwood, who take a weekend break in a cottage owned by Withnail’s uncle Monty.

The humor is undoubtedly acrimonious as well as undeniably British in its sharp take on situation comedy. Despite the humor, which itself makes it worth a watch, the excellent acting is obviously of note. Richard E. Grant’s performance as Withnail is the kind of career defining performance that is all too hard to come by. He manages to express comedy, self-loathing, bitterness and humanity in what is perhaps one of the most realistic performances of the 80’s. Paul McGann is also very strong, but never keeps up with Grant. The film is more character portrait than plot, and the portrait upon which it hinges is Withnail.

I recommend this sad, funny, puzzling, tense, frustrating film for everyone. A movie you must see, at least once.

Rating: 4/ 5