Plot: What’s it about?
Marwood (Paul McGann) and his friend Withnail (Richard E. Grant) are unemployed actors who drown their troubles with whatever they can get their hands on, from booze to drugs to lighter fluid, if need be. Marwood can be offbeat at times, but Withnail is a total madman and is more off the wall than anyone could even dream of, I assure you. He is loud, abrasive, and concocts strange ideas, but he is also sometimes likable, at least to a select few people. When the two decide some time is needed away from their urban based lives, Withnail suggests they trek to the countryside, to a cottage owned by his Uncle Monty (Richard Griffiths). But this vacation of sorts turns into real trouble, thanks to constant rain, scared neighbors, lack of foreign substances, and of course, the two men and their total lack of survival skills. As time passes, the two become more desperate for food, proper clean clothes, and other stuff, as the bond of their friendship is tested, time and again. Will these two unusual men be able to cope with life in this country cottage, or will they go mad in the time that’s supposed to be reserved for relaxation?
Even with an imperfect treatment however, Withnail and I is too great of a film to miss, that much is certain. Richard E. Grant turns in a simply classic performance that is alone worth the price of admission, to be sure. Grant is joined by Paul McGann, Richard Griffiths, and Ralph Brown, among others and all the cast seems to be in fine form indeed. I never tire of the humor in Withnail and I, as it has so many great lines and Grant is so perfect in his role, while Bruce Robinson’s direction ensures it all remains woven together. I simply cannot recommend Withnail and I enough and while this disc has some flaws, it is still well worth a rental or purchase, if you ask me.
If I were asked to name my top ten favorite performances, Richard E. Grant would be named in there, for his incredible work on Withnail and I. He seems so natural in this quirky role, from the outrageous dialogue to the off balance mannerisms, Grant never falters here and that is very impressive indeed. I could watch his work here a million times over and never tire of it, he is that fantastic and powerful, truly amazing work. I’ve liked many of Grant’s performances, but this really was the performance of a lifetime and his finest work.
Video: How does it look?
This is the kind of movie that’ll never look picture perfect. It’s a low budget film from the mid 80’s and as good a job as Criterion has done, there’s still a bit to be desired. This movie wasn’t made on a massive budget either, which means it simply isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer and shows more grain than I’d like, but the lack of added resolution only serves to multiply all these small errors. Most of the time however, this is a more than solid visual treatment and an improvement over the laserdisc, which should please fans. The colors are stable, flesh tones natural, and contrast is even handed, all the bases here are covered. Having this in 4K is certainly a treat, no doubt and it is the best the movie has ever looked.
Audio: How does it sound?
This movie is fueled by dialogue and as such, the included mono option is more than adequate, I think. Of course, you won’t want to showcase your audio system with it, but it handles the material and that’s what counts, once the chips have been laid down. The track seems pretty clean and shows minimal age signs, which is always good news. The music and various sound effects come through well enough, but due to the material and limits of the mono format, you won’t be overly impressed by either of the elements. The dialogue is crisp and well presented at all times, with no volume errors to report.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Arrow Video has a more robust edition of this movie if supplements are your thing, but there’s more than enough in Criterion’s disc to keep even the most savvy fan entertained.
- Audio Commentary – Actors Ralph Brown and Paul McGann combine on this track, though it was recorded in 2001. The duo have a lot to say, though I have to admit that I had trouble understanding what they were talking about a lot of the time. I suppose it’s of no consequence.
- Audio Commentary – A newer track by director Bruce Robinson (this one recorded in 2020) is more along the lines of what I was looking for. It’s chock full of little tidbits from the film, the shoot and everything in between. True fans will really get a kick out of this one.
- Bruce Robinson and Richard E. Grant – The director and star (respectively) have recorded this new supplement, though not together, as they reflect on the film and its long lasting influence.
- Withnail and Us – Taken from a 1999 documentary, this is one that was featured on Criterion’s disc from years’ past. Interviews with the film’s stars and crew make for an interesting 25 minute look at the film.
- Bruce Robinson and Richard E. Grant Q & A – Similar to the above feature, the duo take on some questions about the project as well as Robinson’s roots as a struggling actor. This originaly aired in 2017.
- Theatrical Trailer
- Illustrated Booklet – Film critic David Cairns contributes an essay about the movie as well as some production photos in this insert.
The Bottom Line
Odds are that this film won’t be for everyone, many of the titles in Criterion’s collection are (or aren’t, depending on your perspective). But it’s nice to see this get the treatment it deserves, though all the supplements from Arrow’s version aren’t included here. Hard core fans might want to pick up both copies, but for me – this one is just fine.
