Withnail and I

Withnail and I is a 1987 British film that follows two out-of-work actors living in a run-down London of the late 1960s. It was financed by HandMade Films and directed by Bruce Robinson. The film initially failed to find an audience but did not take long to attract a dedicated cult following. Kevin Jackson's in-depth study focuses on the film's mood and magic, its aesthetics and sensibility, and its bleak up-ending of the English pastoral dream. Bharat Tandon pays tribute to the film's peculiar genius and enduring appeal.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Withnail and I, a film released in 1987, faced initial struggles to gain traction and attract an audience. However, it soon gained a dedicated cult following that continues to thrive to this day. The film, financed by HandMade Films and directed by first-time writer-director Bruce Robinson, is a captivating portrayal of two out-of-work actors, Withnail (played by Richard E. Grant) and I (played by Paul McGann), living in a run-down London of the late 1960s. The story revolves around their alcohol-fueled weekend in the country, which takes unexpected turns.

Despite its initial lack of popularity, Withnail and I has since become a beloved classic, celebrated for its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and unique aesthetic. Lines such as "We've gone on holiday by mistake!" and "Bring me the finest wines known to humanity!" have become popular favourites and have even inspired countless internet memes. Kevin Jackson's in-depth study provides a comprehensive account of the film's origins and production history, delving into the creative process and the influences that shaped it.

However, Jackson's primary focus is on the film's mood and magic, its aesthetics and sensibility. He seeks to showcase the depth and richness of Withnail and I beyond its comedic elements, highlighting its poignant portrayal of male friendship, its bleak up-ending of the English pastoral dream, and its fierce verbal inventiveness. Jackson describes the film as an outstandingly touching yet witheringly unsentimental drama of male friendship, a bleak up-ending of the English pastoral dream, a piece of ferocious verbal inventiveness, and undoubtedly one of the greatest British films ever made.

In his new foreword to this edition, writer Bharat Tandon pays tribute to both Withnail's peculiar genius and enduring appeal, as well as to his close friend Kevin Jackson. Tandon acknowledges Withnail's unique ability to capture the essence of British culture and society, as well as his ability to create characters that are both relatable and unforgettable. He also highlights the film's enduring relevance and its ability to resonate with audiences across generations.

Withnail and I remains a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of British cinema. Its unique blend of humor, drama, and social commentary has made it a beloved classic that continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. Whether viewed as a comedic masterpiece or a profound exploration of male friendship, Withnail and I is a film that will continue to be cherished and celebrated for years to come.

Weight: 180g
Dimension: 136 x 189 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839025457
Edition number: 2 ed