Episodes
Tuesday Jul 07, 2020
#22 - Bruce Robinson - Withnail and I (1987)
Tuesday Jul 07, 2020
Tuesday Jul 07, 2020
What creates a cult classic film? Some say its being ripped apart to shreds by critics on release. Others say it’s a notoriously bad theatrical run never recouping the budget. Bruce Robinson says it’s out of work actors and an appetite for lots of alcohol. And possibly lighter fluid.
Enter Withnail and I (1987) which follows two substance abusing unemployed actors in 1969. Almost unbelievable this is a first directorial effort, it’s also the first appearance of Richard E Grant and Paul McGann in a feature film. Based on director Bruce Robinsons own experiences in the 60’s with his late friend Vivian Mackerell (whom Withnail is based on), the film is often remembered for its ability to be so quotable. After all, few films have so deftly described a hangover as feeling “like a pig shat on my head”.
Thought bubbling beneath the surface is both an intricately rendered portrait of Britain at the end of the 60’s, and the giving up of your dreams due to no fault of anything but yourself. Either that, or it’s two drunk men being preposterous on camera. We’ll let you decide, after all, we want the finest podcasts available to humanity, we want them here and we want them now! So here you go. Link in bio.
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