Withnail & I Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two unemployed actors go on a disastrous holiday and one might get a job, but the other is definitely going to need a drink, several.

🍿 Withnail & I: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Desperate Actors in Camden Town

Set in London in 1969, the film introduces Withnail and Marwood, two unemployed actors living in squalor. They spend their days consuming drugs and alcohol, lamenting their lack of success and the state of their dilapidated flat. Their lives are a cycle of poverty, substance abuse, and increasingly strained friendship.

Escape to the Countryside

Seeking respite from their grim reality, the pair decide to take a holiday at a remote cottage owned by Withnail’s eccentric Uncle Monty. They envision a relaxing break in the countryside, but their lack of survival skills and dependence on urban comforts quickly lead to disastrous consequences. Rain, hunger, and encounters with hostile locals plague their getaway.

Uncle Monty’s Arrival

Their situation is further complicated by the unexpected arrival of Uncle Monty, a flamboyant homosexual who harbors a romantic interest in Marwood. Monty’s presence creates tension and discomfort, exposing the fragility of Withnail and Marwood’s friendship and forcing them to confront their own desires and insecurities.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Withnail (Richard E. Grant): An acerbic, alcoholic, and unemployed actor who clings to the fading vestiges of his privileged background.
• …& I (Marwood) (Paul McGann): Withnail’s more grounded and anxious flatmate, an unemployed actor who yearns for success and stability.
• Monty (Richard Griffiths): Withnail’s flamboyant and eccentric Uncle, whose country cottage becomes the setting for a disastrous holiday.
• Danny (Ralph Brown): The drug dealer who supplies Withnail and Marwood with cannabis and other substances.
• Jake (Michael Elphick): The menacing poacher whom Withnail and Marwood encounter during their ill-fated country getaway.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Withnail: “I demand to have some booze!” – Said with urgency and desperation when realizing there is no alcohol in the cottage.
• Withnail: “We’ve gone on holiday by mistake.” – A line uttered in disbelief and regret when confronted with the harsh realities of their countryside escape.
• Withnail: “I’m not driving a bent motor to be abused by some gutless, ginger poof!” – Withnail’s outburst after a tense encounter with a local, showcasing his snobbery and paranoia.
• Monty: “I intend to have you, even if it must be burglary!” – Uncle Monty’s dramatic declaration of his intentions towards Marwood.
• Danny: “They’re gonna clean the place out, man. They’re gonna paint it black.” – Danny’s ominous comment about the changing times, referencing the shift from the 60s counterculture to a more corporate and conventional era.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £1,100,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,544,889
• Worldwide Gross: $1,950,623

💥 Withnail & I Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched ‘Withnail & I’ years ago, and it immediately resonated with me. The film’s dark humor and the relatable struggles of the characters made a huge impact. Richard E. Grant’s performance is iconic and brings the troubled Withnail to life, his delivery is impeccable. The scene where Withnail drunkenly performs Hamlet to the wolves in the rain is both hilarious and heartbreaking. I loved the soundtrack, too.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British comedy”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
  • “Those who appreciate dark humor and witty dialogue”
  • “People who enjoy films set in the 1960s”
  • “Those interested in stories about friendship and loss”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Substance abuse (alcohol and drugs)”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suggestive homosexual content”
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The Playlist: “Auteur Bruce Robinson’s Withnail & I is among Criterion’s May releases. The film’s exploration of friendship, ambition, and the decay of the 1960s makes for an enduring and poignant viewing experience.
• FandomWire: “Richard Griffiths shines in his iconic role as Uncle Monty in Withnail & I, leaving a lasting impression that long predates his role in Harry Potter. The film remains a classic due to its exceptional performances and sharp wit.
• Roger Ebert: “A dark and hilarious look at the lives of two struggling actors in 1960s London, elevated by Richard E. Grant’s unforgettable performance as Withnail. The film’s bleak humor and poignant exploration of friendship make it a cult classic.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praise the film’s quotable dialogue and brilliant performances.: The film’s relatable themes of friendship and the struggles of early adulthood resonate with a broad audience.

Many praise Richard E Grant’s acting as Withnail.: Fans agree that this is a masterpiece.

Overall Consensus: A British cult classic celebrated for its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and poignant exploration of friendship and lost dreams.

Awards

1. Evening Standard British Film Award (Best Screenplay)- 1988

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Richard E. Grant, who played the alcoholic Withnail, is a teetotaler in real life. He reportedly hated the taste of the vinegar and tea mixture used as a substitute for wine during filming.”
• “The cottage used in the film, Saling Hall, fell into disrepair after filming and was nearly derelict before being restored.”
• “Bruce Robinson, the writer and director, based the character of Withnail on a friend of his named Vivian MacKerrell, and the character of Uncle Monty on an unwanted advance from Franco Zeffirelli while Robinson was acting as a teenager.”
• “George Harrison of The Beatles was a key financial backer of the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Withnail & I?

Withnail & I is available for purchase or rent on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings for potential streaming options. Due to licensing agreements, its availability on subscription services can change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Withnail & I, you might like these similar films:

• Sideways (2004): Two friends take a road trip that examines friendship, aging, and self-discovery through the lens of wine and personal failings.
• The Trip (2010): Two comedians embark on a restaurant tour, showcasing their wit and banter while grappling with career anxieties and personal insecurities.
• Quadrophenia (1979): A British film set in the 1960s about mods and rockers that highlights British youth culture and rebellion, similar to ‘Withnail & I’s setting and counter-culture undertones.
• Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998): Both films feature drug-fueled escapades and a descent into absurdity, exploring themes of disillusionment and excess in a darkly comedic way.

🛒 Withnail & I Related Products

• Withnail & I (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A pristine Blu-ray edition from the Criterion Collection, featuring restored visuals and a wealth of bonus content, including interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Withnail & I: Screenplay and Original Soundtrack: A digital bundle including the film’s screenplay and the complete original soundtrack, offering a deeper dive into the film’s creation and atmosphere.
• Withnail & I – ‘I Demand to Have Some Booze!’ T-Shirt: A high-quality t-shirt featuring the iconic quote from the movie, printed on soft, durable fabric for ultimate comfort.
• Withnail & I: The Drinking Game: A hilarious party game based on the film, featuring trivia questions, challenges, and of course, plenty of opportunities for imbibing.

🎧 Soundtrack

Withnail & I features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “A Whiter Shade of Pale” – performed by King Curtis
• “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” – performed by George Harrison
• “All Along the Watchtower” – performed by Jimi Hendrix

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Withnail & I: 13 Things You Probably Didn’t Know (According to Director Bruce Robinson)

Want some juicy behind-the-scenes secrets about Withnail & I straight from the director himself? Bruce Robinson reveals some amazing facts in this video – I never knew some of this stuff!

1990s Richard E Grant Interview, Withnail and I

Ever wonder what Richard E. Grant thought about Withnail & I back in the day? This vintage interview gives you a fascinating look into his perspective – it’s wild to see how much he’s changed!

Withnail & O (Withnail and I x Star Wars, Part 2)

Okay, you HAVE to see this hilarious mashup of Withnail & I with Star Wars! It sounds crazy, but trust me, it totally works. Prepare to laugh!

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