Saturday, September 22, 2012
No major review tonight, but this was always popping up on various 'must watch' lists so I'm finally glad I can share my opinion on this one. So very English this film is.
Withnail
and I (1987)
SOME of Britain's best-known films
are those surrounding excess drug and alcohol consumption from past to present.
The swinging 60s were at their strongest in places like London, where we find
two men at rock bottom in the heart of Camden Town in 1969 with no money, no
work and only the booze to keep them occupied.
Withnail (Richard E Grant) and
Marwood (Paul Gann, the 'and I') are at a loss with how they’ll continue to
survive until they regain touch with Withnail's uncle Monty (Richard
Griffiths). He lends the duo his cottage in the countryside, and they go to
escape the winter in a more idyllic location.
Homosexuality has a role to play
here, explored through Monty's perception of the duo and his own desires for
Marwood. Their drunken ramblings add fuel to the fire, and ultimately for us
make for entertaining watching. Marwood as the less wasted of the two has his
own musings on life that fit with thinking of the era and reveal their
underlying intelligence.
The autobiographical story from
director Bruce Robinson is still questioned by fans and critics as to what is
real and what is not. His direction is mismatched from scene to scene but the
characters remain likable even in their miserable moods amid the miserable
English winter. Richard E Grant is a standout in his breakthrough role.
*Published in the Mailbox Shopper (Dubbo) from Wednesday 19/9/2012
MISSED LAST WEEK'S REVIEW? See what I thought of The Watch.
MISSED LAST WEEK'S REVIEW? See what I thought of The Watch.
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