Withnail and I: From Cult to Classic
The journey of a beloved cult film to classic status
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Titan Books Ltd
Published:5th Sep '23
Should be back in stock very soon
This book offers an in-depth exploration of the film Withnail and I, featuring interviews and archival material that highlight its legacy.
The book Withnail and I: From Cult to Classic offers a comprehensive look into the creation and enduring legacy of the iconic film. Through a rich combination of interviews, essays, and previously unseen archival material, it provides readers with an in-depth understanding of how this cult classic evolved from mere ideas into a celebrated piece of cinema. The work is authorized by Bruce Robinson, the film's director and writer, who shares his personal insights in an exclusive foreword.
In Withnail and I: From Cult to Classic, readers will discover firsthand accounts from the surviving cast members, shedding light on their experiences during the film's production and its lasting impact on their lives. The book also delves into Robinson's creative process, revealing the influences that shaped the film and its characters. Notably, new interviews with stars Richard E Grant and Paul McGann offer a unique perspective on the film's influence and their personal connections to the story.
Illustrated with never-before-seen photographs and contributions from notable fans such as Sam Bain, Margaret Cho, and Charlie Higson, this book is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of the film. It stands as a definitive account of Withnail and I, celebrating its journey from a niche production to a staple in the canon of British cinema.
"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
ISBN: 9781803362397
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
160 pages