Simply put, one of my favourite movies of all time, the tale of two out of work actors slowly killing themselves on meths and drugs, who decide to get a break from their grim reality by heading to the countryside is as captivating the first time as it is the 10th.
The scripts an absolute delight, witty, carefully crafted, wonderfully structured. its infinitely quotable, has complex and interesting characters, Its paced perfectly and wonderfully plays melancholy against bittersweet drama and comedy. all set within the crumbling backdrop of late 60s london. A time when it was all change, and the perfect framing device for our characters. I beg you to watch this film and not well up towards the end.
Bruce Robinson was early in his career here as a director, but quite literally shot his magnum opus here. an ASTOUNDING work for an experienced director, letalone one new to the craft. Its got a clean, clear and stark vision realised in all its nicotine stained glory by a highly skilled crew. and the sets (designed my Doctor who’s own Michael Pickwoad) are frankly gorgeously hideous in every sense of the word.
the cine is rich, lushious and astounding, expert composition, wonderfully realised with vibrant colours that really bring the rainy drear of little england to life. All wrapped in an astounding edit that cuts EXACTLY when it needs to and isnt afraid to experiment.
As for the performances? this is (in my opinion) the career highlight of Richard Griffiths, Paul McGann and Richard E. Grant. all TOTALLY and UTTERLY watchable, all giving there absolute all to the performances. Simply put, they are the characters here, noone else would even touch the sides.
and all this gorgeous grottiness is wrapped up in a frankly delightful and unique score thats perfectly placed and more than punctuates the film effortlessly.
In short; I sincerely believe this is one of my all time favourite movies. At the minimum its in the top 10, quintessentially british. I always try to introduce people to this film, as I think its as potent today, as it was 37 years ago. Go watch ‘Withnail & i’ if you havent already. Its Incredible.
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