Shat the Movies: 80's & 90's Best Film Review

Withnail and I (1987)

·1 hr 9 min·5 clips

A listener commissions 'Withnail and I' specifically for Gene, calling it a personal favorite from his time in London.

The episode begins with host Gene Lyons thanking listener Mike T. for commissioning 'Withnail and I' as a personal request, which provided quality time with his partner Sarah and co-host Big D. Big D expresses initial concern that reviewing this non-blockbuster might hurt their podcast numbers, but acknowledges its importance to Gene. They read Mike's email explaining his connection to the film from living in London during the Britpop era. The hosts provide a plot summary: the film follows two unemployed actors, Withnail and Marwood, who borrow a cottage in the Lake District from Withnail's eccentric Uncle Monty. Gene shares that this was his first exposure to Richard E. Grant, leading him to seek out the actor's other work. Big D admits he was nervous about disliking the film, fearing it could end their friendship, but ultimately enjoyed it. They analyze the film's witty, rapid-fire dialogue, comparing it favorably to other comedies like 'Clerks'. Gene argues the film's melancholy tone sets it apart, while Big D finds it universally relatable. The hosts discuss key scenes, including the cafe where the characters demand 'the finest wines available to humanity'. They delve into character dynamics, particularly Uncle Monty's sexual advances and whether Marwood should have reciprocated out of pity. A tangent about Gene's travel experiences, like visiting Cafe Kulminator in Antwerp, illustrates his affinity for eccentric adventures similar to the film's spirit. They highlight memorable supporting characters like drug dealer Danny and his 'Camberwell carrot' joint. The episode concludes with their wipe scores: Gene gives 1 wipe, Big D gives 1.25 wipes, averaging 1.125, which ranks the film 93rd in their list. They tease next week's film, 'Run Lola Run', commissioned by Christian S.

As heard by us

A fond Withnail and I discussion finds kinship in an eccentric pair and a patient Belgian beer ritual.

Withnail and I lands as a personally cherished commission, but the affection becomes an entry point rather than a display case. Gene Lyons and Big D shape the conversation around two eccentric men who are not simply cruel or grotesque, and whose cramped little world keeps making…

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a personally precious movie conversation with two eccentric men at its center and a patient detour to Antwerp.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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