Review of Withnail & I (1987) by Louis C — 22 Dec 2009
A masterpiece of perrenial stature, "Withnail and I" is arguably the finest Bristish film I've seen, and it is certainly one of tremendous subtlety coupled with unmistakable power. It is one of the best examples of a parasitic friendship steeped in disillusionment and the acceptance of a fate that is carved in shit, to put in bluntly.
Richard E. Grant's performance as the enormously pessimistic and depraved alcoholic title character Withnail is just one for the ages. He captures all the emotions that embody this character, and depicts them in a way that I could not have imagined anyone else doing.
His interplay with Paul McGann is what makes this movie unforgettable. It is a movie that shows quite vividly how certain people can lead us down a tattered path of no return, and in the end, you can't help but sympathize with the downtrodden Withnail, who incessantly claims to be a victim of circumstance, caught in a downward spiral of misfortune.
In the end there seems to be no hope in sight for him, which makes the film ring a distinctly pessimistic, yet ultimately rewarding overtone. I highly recommend this movie to anyone.
This review of Withnail & I (1987) was written by Louis C on 22 Dec 2009.
Withnail & I has generally received very positive reviews.
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