Withnail and I by: Ed Galvin

This film should appeal not just to those of us disenchanted or plain disinterested in 9-5 society, but also to anyone who enjoys a strong character based comedy.

Set in London and the English countryside at the tail end of the 60’s, the state of mind of the two main characters reflects the mood of the times. Impoverished actors, Withnail (played superbly by Richard E. Grant) and ‘I’ (Paul McGann), exist on a diet of drugs, alcohol, and no little insight.

With ‘I’ as narrator, we are shown a world where days blend together, the most important decisions seemingly being which drug to take to escape their private reality. Their dealer, Danny/Headhunter, ensures that they shall “never be set free”.

When the claustrophobia of the city becomes too much, they embark on an ill-advised and poorly planned (to say the least) holiday in the countryside, staying at the cottage of Withnails’ rich uncle Monty. Here they endeavour to adapt to life away from the convenience of London. Matters become complicated by unhelpful farmers, the local poacher, and the unannounced arrival of Monty.

We cannot help but to like Withnail, despite the fact that he is almost entirely self-centered and a slave to alcohol. His hedonisitic, live for the moment attitude makes him something of an anti-hero. Many people will identify with the main characters in the film; it is regarded as a cult classic on this side of the Atlantic, beloved especially by students perhaps because they can identify with the lifestyle of these disenfranchised but clearly talented people.

Overall, this has to be one of my favourite films. Though it does sag slightly in the middle, I feel it holds something for every viewer and have no hesitation in recommendeding it to anyone who enjoys subtle and intelligent comedy. It makes a refreshing change from the dumbed down style so prevalent in cinena today. It also boasts an excellent soundtrack which should be of interest to any lover of 1960’s music.