Description
Book SynopsisThe definitive, in-depth exploration of the creation and legacy of the classic Withnail & I, featuring interviews, essays, and fascinating never-before-seen archive material. Authorised by author and director Bruce Robinson, who provides an exclusive foreword, Withnail & I: From Cult to Classic charts the extraordinary journey of a beloved cult film from being 'just thoughts really' to becoming a permanent feature in any list of the Best British Films ever made. For the first time the surviving players have been interviewed for this book about their parts in the making of the movie, and the lasting effect it had on their lives. Bruce Robinson offers detailed insights into his creative process and influences, while new interviews with the film's stars Richard E Grant and Paul McGann provide personal insights into the impact that making and living with Withnail & I had. Illustrated throughout with never-before-seen photography and archive material, and featuring contributions from famous fans like Sam Bain, Margaret Cho and Charlie Higson, this is the definitive, must-have book on Withnail & I.
Trade Review"A handsome scrapbook of interviews with key personnel, memorabilia and testimonials from celebrity fans – is a matryoshka of nostalgia: a 2023 book about a 1987 film set in 1969, in which multiple characters mourn the end of an era." The Spectator
"Toby Benjamin’s handsome book is clearly a love letter to the film, bulging with great photos, snippets of behind-the-scenes gossip, interviews with what remains of the cast and crew and fans’ observations. The publishers have done him proud." Westminster Extra
"It combines revelatory insight with deep affection for one of the finest British films ever made." The Observer
"It’s full of warmth and insight, and spot on when it notes that the real genius of the film is not its quotability, or even the drinking game in which you try to match Withnail glass for glass, but its lingering sadness." The Times
"Writer Toby Benjamin understands [Withnail & I] innately and pours his heart into this compendium of Withnailia. The highlights are his incisive interviews with a rant-heavy Robinson, the two leads and Ralph Brown (Danny the dealer), not to mention key behind-the-scenes folk including DoP Peter Hannan, who all offer richly evocative insights." Total Film
"Withnail & I: from Cult to Classic charts the journey of a film that was initially a flop, gained a following among students...and then assumed a granite-like position in the culture, comparable to the King James Bible or Cilla Black" The Guardian
"Withnail & I: From Cult to Classic, edited by Toby Benjamin, features Q&As with its cast, as well as its director, and celebrates its ongoing cultural significance." The Independent
"It's always good to have the Withnail team reminisce" Empire
