MB

I think it helps if you have had some experience of that background..if you've ever been a starving drug addled student/unemployed actor/unemployed..then it's hilarious..

I spent most of my teens and early twenties in that position so I have a lot to draw on...

But, also..Bruce Robinson drew each of his characters so carefully and with such affection - that I think it could be classed as beautifully written.

But, of course - it is his sharp lines that get people going.. has anyone bored people silly with their favourite ones on here?

It's a shame Bruce is a bit handy with the drink because, otherwise I'd bloody marry him..he must be a hell of a laugh to be around and there is a real poignancy in the film that often gets forgotten..it seems to me it is about making a decision to leave that life and 'grow up' - but, from a distance and in some ways, chaotic as it may have seemed - it might be a hell of a lot more fun than the grown up stuff and it can be easy to hanker after it...

Anyway, I think, if you've lived through that - there comes a point where you make the decision or something lifts you out of it (as it does for 'I' at the end)..and thats it - you're suited and booted and you leave those people behind..they can't come with you because they'd just mess it up - but you might miss them still..

Oh shut up Modesty..

AdrianTurner

Now I understand why I have never, ever, been able to sit through more than an hour of this movie. I just don't get it at all.

Jumbo1965

I saw it on the big screen on the 10th and 20th anniversaryies and on each occasion I was amazed how the audience, all devoted fans, left all the script quoting to the actors (and actresses - there are three spoken female roles in the film) and sat in revered silence all the way through. Oh, apart from one young chap who said as he entered the cinema, to the silent disrespect of the rest of us, "I DEMAND TO HAVE A SEAT"

Freddy

Bruce has now given up the drink.

Like you MB I do think there is a poignancy about the film. My heart went out to Withnail . The last scene always gets to me. One friend moving on and the other unable to change. The Park, the rain, and Withnail with the wolves and the wine.

"I have of late, but wherefore I know not, lost all my mirth and
indeed it goes so heavily with my disposition that this goodly
frame the earth seems to me a sterile promotory; this most
excellent canopy the air, look you, this mighty o'rehanging
firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire; why, it
appeareth nothing to me but a foul and pestilent congregation of
vapours. What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how
infinite in faculties, how like an angel in aprehension, how like
a God! The beauty of the world, paragon of animals; and yet to
me, what is this quintessence of dusk. Man delights not me, no,
nor women neither, nor women neither."

Regards

Freddy

The world wags on.

MB

Thankyou for putting that up Freddy - I have never actually read it before.

Sorry, that was crass of me to write that about Bruce Robinson.

Freddy

Not at all Modesty, I'm sure Bruce himself would agree with you that he was fond of the grape and the grain. He was once on the Ruby Wax show and his anecdotes and opinions were wonderful.

The Withnail and I script can be read on

Withnail and I Script at IMSDb.

Like you there are parts of myself I recognise in the film.

Regards

Freddy

The world wags on.