Withnail & I Watchalong with Director Bruce Robinson

[@robd593]

I love to sit and watch this film on a rainy afternoon with a glass of sherry. Withnail and I is an absolute bloody masterpiece.

[@antonboludo8886]

Sherry at first, and then a 1953 Margaux. Monty keeps a sensational cellar!

[@matthewhendy5785]

And failing that a bottle of lighter fluid

[@Hew.Jarsol]

Only one glass?

[@fringelilyfringelily391]

Richard E.Grant's recitation of the lines from Hamlet is the most beautifully delivered speech from Hamlet I have ever heard in long years of watching and listening to Shakespeare performance.

[@garethlorman1136]

Bruce is a great man, I met hi once when I used to work for Monty Don. He just turned up one summers day and I was in utter shock, I had no idea Monty and his wife Sarah were friends. I totally fanboyed him as we sat down for lunch he was very happy to talk about his films, I was on cloud nine and I was just a gardener. He didn't give a shit who you were or what you did, I will never forget it so thank you Bruce you are a salt👊

[@geraldberliner5260]

"As a youth, I used to weep in butcher's shops". RIP Richard Griffiths, and thanks Brude for giving him the props he so rightly deserved.

[@ObsoleteOddity]

The ONLY film I can watch again & again - not only a wonderful film, but brings back fond memories of similar events in my life. Thank you Bruce.

[@diomedes8791]

Brings back such fond memories of similar events in my life .... aaah, similar events in my life 😁

[@AnnaLVajda]

"We are not drunks, we are multi millionaires".

[@petercannon6906]

Me too. I knew guys in a flat Hammersmith Grove....absolute hole. We used to call big pot smokers, hair parted down the middle, funny walk.,RAF long coat. We called them HEADS. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@bethandersen1555]

My son’s middle name is Withnail after this movie because what a piece of work is man.

[@johnjosmith42]

Back again after two years to enjoy this again. What a fucking magnificent bloke 👏

[@TM-dh8um]

The line I've found myself nicking the most often from this is near the end, when Danny's talking about drug taking': "Why trust one drug and not the other? That's politics innit?". It always made so much sense to me as a way to explain what's wrong with a lot of people's thinking on a lot of subjects. Thanks Bruce!

[@jemturnerusa]

Thank you, Bruce. You have brought immense joy to my life.

[@ian_occultist]

At one point British Airways had it on the in flight films and I was going back and forth across the Atlantic regularly. I hate flying and so boozing it up beforehand was essential. It saved my life every time and not for the first time either. I'd be legless by landing and told off so many times for laughing too loud they would refuse to serve me more booze. There was no cake 🍰

[@newsbender]

Plenty of tea I bet though. We used to ask the stewardesses for TWA tea, that always got a reaction 😂

[@Claytone-Records]

@@newsbender : ).

[@realmmarque6906]

The finest wine available to humanity though😂😂

[@Claytone-Records]

@@realmmarque6906 And we want them here and we want them now!

[@realmmarque6906]

@@Claytone-Records or we'll buy this place and install a fucking jukebox😂😂😂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤝🏻

[@darrenthomas4885]

leanne and i (my girlfriend and me) we lived this film from 2008 - 2011 = we thank the guy who wrote this film = back story i lived in bristol with my auntie and uncle in 2002 and i noticed they had this film as they were art folk types university lecturers and such and i logged the film in my mind as i was in no place to enjoy it at the time being lost in life miles away from my home but yes when i met my love of my life i showed her this film and we lived it for a while = a bit different being in dorset and on welfare benefits but this was 2008 - 2011 = we watched it again just b4 christmas 2020 and i was in a bad way mentally as i have mental health diagnosis hence the long comment but once again it brought leanne and i close and brought a smile, a genuine gut laugh and a cry amongst difficult circumstances = i would like the director of this film to know that this film made me see purpose in a life that lacked hope = thank you for reading this and thank you for this film!

[@misteral1083]

"this film made me see purpose in a life that lacked hope" - beautifully put. Hope things are better for you.

[@ns2110theonly]

Am I the only one desperately trying to decipher every single title on Bruce’s bookshelf? The mind of a genius.

[@lindaleh5551]

You're not- it's very hard to decipher the titles - the few I can make out suggest it's a very eclectic collection.

[@ns2110theonly]

@ that’s so funny I was only able to make out Oppenheimer :)

[@ns2110theonly]

@@lindaleh5551 yes right? He’d only have a very eclectic collection🙏🏻

[@ns2110theonly]

@Geoff Wode I hear that

[@ns2110theonly]

@ oh and also Enola Gay and Heisenberg‘s war so he’s definitely got an area of expertise/study here....

[@BeavenBeaven]

Thanks that was superb. Our favourite film and a pleasure to share. Chin chin

[@bigbuddhaiswatching...101]

Fantastic! I've been wanting to hear Bruce do a commentary for this movie for years. Now we just need to get Richard E Grant to do one and I can die happy.

[@bigbuddhaiswatching...101]

Really? My DVD only has the McGann/ Brown commentary. Is there one out there with a Robinson comments also?

[@markburns9116]

@@bigbuddhaiswatching...101 it's on the Blu-ray and DVD release from Arrow Video

[@bigbuddhaiswatching...101]

Ah, I thought I'd seen a version with a BR commentary on it somewhere. Thanks. I've just purchased a copy.

[@warlockofwordsreturnsrb4358]

Brilliant film, always one of my favourites. Thanks for doing this, Bruce! x

[@markwhittaker6321]

Wonderful Bruce! Thank you so much. Looking forward to all the new works!

[@kcitizens]

This is the most brilliant movie of all time! I so appreciate your wonderful words. My music was amazing and my favorite scene was Withnail applying deep heat! ♡♡♡

[@johnjosmith42]

This was beyond glorious ~ Bruce, i can no other answer make but thanks, thanks and ever thanks 🎭

[@klauskii9468]

This was so much fun. Not only informative & full of all the stuff film nerds love, but also an intimate connection with the mind that created (and lived) it. Thank you so much Bruce & Esquire for making it happen.

[@wmori1]

What a wonderful man. Met him at a literary festival in Borris, Co. Carlow a number of years ago. Intelligent, witty and a profoundly down-to-earth person. An absolute gent. Loving this talk. Thank you for some great films, as well as some wonderful novels and fact based works.

[@JuiKuen]

First Pierce Brosnan and GoldenEye and now Bruce Robinson and Withnail & I. Bravo and thanks Esquire UK 👏 Two of my favourite films 👍

[@mandead]

Glad I'm not the only one to have seen both!

[@remnantsofamystik8901]

You are just one of the most amazing men on this planet. Since I watched Still Crazy, I was an immediate fan. I just want to say that you make me smile the biggest smiles of all of the people who I have encountered in my life. You just are the best. ❤️ Love from your Biggest Canadian Fan

[@Spy755]

This was amazing, thank you so much Bruce for doing this. 'Withnail & I' is one of my top 3 fav. films of all time (literally watched it likely over 100 times), as is 'How To Get Ahead In Advertising'. I'm a huge movie buff but this has almost been cemented atop my list

[@Spy755]

@Dr Diablory let me know what you think

[@mariecohen3052]

@Dr Diablory good to hear, Very kind of you.

[@innercircle341]

This has got to be one of the most amateurish things ever done on YT. Eating, drinking, bashing glasses, technical errors not edited out. Long pauses , shuffling through papers...totally unprepared, questions not assigned to time stamps and that was just the first 35 minutes STILL ENJOYED IT!! Bless you for doing it. Been watching the film several times a year since 88 at least.

[@Sumabus]

Those are precisely the things I liked best about it.

[@Dirty_Hamble]

​@@Sumabus Me too. Life isn't a series of glossy, edited highlights.

[@r4b32t11]

Thank you for this amazing offering.. ADDICTIVE AND EVERGREEN ❤😂

[@Parkhana12]

Wonderful spending time with you, Bruce, you are marvellous company - just like Monty! ❤😂😅😊

[@yachtmontyb9567]

Watching the film with the director, wonderful idea, bravo. Could almost have been sat in the Crow with the characters. Thanks.

[@lettucebee8425]

Seconds in and I love it. Pure honesty

[@theshamanarchist5441]

How did I miss this? Great flick. Never gets old.

[@jackharkins1689]

Almost two hours of Bruce talking is what the world needs right now thank fuck

[@emmalewisart641]

This is so great and you're only up the road Bruce, thank you and hello from Caerleon :) good lock!

[@paulmorphy6187]

In the 'washing up' scene you can see in the cupboard a can of lighter fluid...so when later on he says 'have you got anymore?' after drinking it in the lounge, they did indeed have some more...infact there are a few 'double references' in the film such as 'a firm young carrot' and of course the 'camberwell carrot'...and the randy bull and the randy monty for instance..and when Withnail talks about fighting Geoff Wode and pretending you are ill, then he almost gets into a fight in the pub and pretends he is ill...danny talks about 'the coalman' and has a friend 'presuming ed'...when monty puts on a single rubber glove when he puts the bacon on the fire and Withnail put's on a single rubber glove before his 'trained actor' speech

[@kiyoaki1985]

Yeah one of the things I like about it, besides the dialogue and the performances, are the little visual metaphors like that. Like when they're playing cards and they're using coins and beer caps for betting chips, an image of things being diluted down and decaying, just one of many examples that pass by unconsciously as you're watching. I don't know if most of these were intentional or just a product of the setting and atmosphere in which the film was made

[@rosstheboss-q2f]

Paul Morphy: Well done for bringing those little Easter eggs to our attention. Loads more I'll be bound...

[@quamenmike2338]

*firm young carrot

[@TheOldHacker]

And when Monty says something about "will never play the Dane" in his house and then Withnail finishes the film by... playing the Dane.

[@omnivorousbiped2447]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading "They All Love Jack" with Bruce Robinson's dulcet tones in my head the entire time.

[@pearlfisher2813]

Just bought it,waiting for it to arrive. Looking forward to reading it.

[@malloid]

They All Love Jack is a masterpiece. An open and shut case. Never trust a Freemason!

[@mariecohen3052]

I might as well get my copy After receiving it I will just put my name on it

[@mrs.blennerhassit92]

I am so sorry I did not get in on this watch-along... I was confused because there was another, Twitter-based watch-along planned, which supported a charity for victims of domestic abuse, and thought they were the same thing. I am very proud to have been invited to participate in the other one, and it went very well, and subsequently I am thrilled that this film of Bruce watching W&I has been posted so that I can watch it too! I would have loved to send him a question or three, but it looks as if those questions had already been printed out and handed to him - he wasn't reading them "live" off a feed, so perhaps I would not have been included anyway. Bruce and I have been exchanging letters since 2013, and one of my life's dreams would be to sit and have a chat with him face to face. I know the likelihood of this happening is probably nil, so this video of him chatting and looking into the camera is, for me, the visit with him I wished for. Brilliant!

[@suzannearnold8373]

This is brilliant, thank you very much, Bruce.

[@PaoloLery]

Brilliant thanks Bruce! 35:25 is just unbelievable! You have to wonder where some of these chancers come from sometimes 😂

[@uriben-gal6620]

We LOVE Withnail and Bruce Robinson ! A miracle of film making ! God Bless !

[@marwood1969]

Withnail and I is so curious a film, because it's so hard to pinpoint what makes it truly great. It's amateurish in many ways, low budget, has almost no plot, but transcends all of this to become a thing of wonder. The first time I saw in in about 1990 I fell asleep halfway through. I don't know what induced me to try again, but the next time I did I was captivated by it. The first time I saw it I expected a comedy, which it is not. When I realised that it is the blackest of tragedies that just happens to be very funny, the whole experience changed and I remember being extremely moved by the ending that I hadn't even seen the first time around. Like so many fans, I now know it word for word. Every line, every emphasis, every inflection. My wife and I (now middle aged) went on a sort-of pilgrimage a few years ago. We renewed our wedding vows in a tiny church up a mountain in the Lake District and as part of the trip we visited the Withnail locations, including Sleddale Hall. Sitting together on a very cold hillside in February by Monty's cottage was an extremely strange experience. Like so many people, our younger days were dangerous and hedonistic and we are blessed to still be alive. Blessed that all that 'Withnail-ness' is behind us and we made it through. We stopped drinking completely in 2004. Why are we still so attached to and fond of this mad little film? It's terribly hard to say, but it's been a defining part of our lives, as it has so many others.

[@fringelilyfringelily391]

It is the tragedy of never to be realised talent, of how some of one's limitations and self indulgences, preclude the potential for greatness.This is why Withnail's Hamlet recitation is so heartbreaking.

[@fringelilyfringelily391]

You have to go to Fellini's La Strada, to find a film ending so sad.

[@marwood1969]

@Crow Withnail does indeed want success but he thinks he naturally deserves it. He's entitled and bitter even though he isn't yet 30 and it shines through; "I'm not going to understudy Konstantin....." etc. Rather than accepting what there is for him, he furiously rejects what he thinks is beneath him. Marwood seems to have completely the opposite attitude and that is the reason Marwood succeeds and Withnail fails. Who, in reality, wants to work with someone like Withnail? Bruce Robinsons memories of Vivian Mckerrell seem to bear this out. A funny and gifted human being he was, but always at odds with the world and on an inevitable trajectory for destruction.

[@matthewhendy5785]

What I love about it is that it focuses on the utterly trivial and yet at the same time the search for meaning and purpose in life. And Richard E Grant’s expression just after he loudly and smugly proclaims, “And what fucker said that?” in the pub just before the big Irish guy approaches them.

[@warmaqualuv]

Hi Bruce, So Glad you very fond of animals, me too ! ! Hope everything bearable in this madness for you ... last time I bumped into you right outside place was staying in Peel St, Kensington in 83' .. Been living in Florida for 30 odd years ... stop by for a tonic water if ever in this area .. Peace, Love, Happiness & Pawprints to you and family ...🧡

[@Curegirl0023]

I found this film because of the videos richard e grant was posting on his ig account. I love this movie thank u ♡

[@pearlfisher2813]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and giving us devoted fans further insights into the film.

[@mariecohen3052]

I’m must be your other fan

[@colinoverall]

Excellent commentary as usual - extremely funny, honest and truthful. In these days of fake news Bruce is the real thing, he won't like me saying this but the man is a national treasure.

[@andrewmilne4]

My friend invited me to come to the last day of the shoot to help out during the final day of filming the follow ons. I met up with him in on Wembley way. I helped out with crowd control etc. They were looking for someone to stand in for Richard E Grant. I was selected as my hands were similar. I drove the car down Wembley Way and this was on screen as the journey down the motorway when Withnail was stopped by the police. My girlfriend was impressed. True story !!

[@LudwigHohlwein1974]

Any minute now he's gonna rush out and get into his tights.

[@camlongmuir]

Chocolate! Why didn't I get any chocolate?

[@warlockofwordsreturnsrb4358]

We want the finest chocolates available to humanity, we want them here and we want them NOW!

[@simonsomatic]

Oxo

[@tynebar]

I think I ate some chocolate by mistake

[@Diamondraw4Real]

@@tynebar 😅

[@bournville511]

Chocolate here chocolate.

[@dedx7723]

this is brilliant, God bless you Bruce

[@markogorman8448]

Brilliant film very funny & very sad great soundtrack too

[@markogorman6072]

Brilliant film my favourite film ever watch it at different times in my life always affected me made me laugh & cry great soundtrack too

[@ManCave1972]

I love how Bruce cannot help himself from flipping out every 15 minutes 😂

[@LordRollo]

thank you bruce for documenting your as you say "magnificent anarchy"....well done...nothing more cheerful during these desperately boring bullshit beerbug lockdowns than watching "withnail & i" & large bottle of lighter fluid...and to have you do a DVD commentary is just magnificent bonus...cheers lordrollo

[@aperson7584]

My friend's father was chairman of the rugby club, and one Sunday drank 21 pints of bitter, got stopped by the Police while driving home, and by some form of Jedi mind-trick wasn't breathalised and went on his way ... this man reminds me of him

[@chrisevans9623]

Bruce is just such a cool cat. The way he describes his attitude towards injustice and anarchy is so relatable.

[@stuartrose8558]

Thank you for that slice of magnificent anarchy.

[@Elnont]

The story about Mcganns accent is hilarious. Poor Paul is never aloud to be scouse 🤣

[@iainholmes2735]

Bruce, thank you for one of the greatest films ever.

[@gorgeousgoomer46]

Saw this film when it first came out at a cinema in Bristol. Watched it on and off for years, and can quote it virtualy word for word. Even when I heard that PM Bozo watched this movie while recovering from his hangover, it slightly put a dent in my love for this film. But, even Bozo is entitled to make one good decision in his life. Looking forward to watching this later. Thank you for doing it Mr Robinson.

[@petersilcock8645]

Even a stopped clock gives the right time twice a day

[@gorgeousgoomer46]

@@petersilcock8645 Good point and he certainly has stopped all the clocks and everything else.

[@Tokolos]

Absolutely perfect cast. 10/10

[@PCamb1234]

Hi Bruce, Will you ever consider letting the novel that the screenplay was based upon see the publishing light of day?

[@adoculos4521]

?? What? Why would he?

[@pearlfisher2813]

I saw Withnail and I being reviewed by Barry Norman,.( Film 87 BBC 1 ) They played the scene from Monty's house, and I think the lighter fluid scene. I couldn't wait to see it after that , and I've loved it ever since.

[@NxDoyle]

I think this is the first time I've seen Bruce drinking from a wine glass that didn't have red wine in it.

[@JonJonJonJonJonJonJonJon]

Doesn’t sound like he’s healthy if he currently can’t take a drop.

[@andywilton8031]

Here Awesomeness Here. Greatest British film of all time? Bollocks - greatest film of all time. Thank you Bruce. :)

[@anewas9119]

Great way to.spend a Sunday Thanks Bruce.

[@HandleGF]

"Bruce Robinson is a very nice man." ... Met 'The Irishman' (Daragh O'Malley) in Searson's pub in Dublin on 7 June 2002. That was his verdict on his Withnail & I experience.

[@Liface]

For anyone trying to align this with the movie, it appears the counter from Esquire is about 10 seconds ahead.

[@mattdeanmusic9739]

Great stuff. Thanks. x

[@TheMagicalBus]

We love you Bruce !

[@ManCave1972]

Without a doubt one of greatest films ever made and one that played a huge part in my life, remarkably touching. Perfect performances all round. Richard E Grant is a legend for this film alone and I challenge anyone to find a better performance than Richard Griffiths’. So many priceless moments.

[@DrB81]

Gonna have to have my yearly venture to The mother black cap and Penrith tea rooms soon. Best film ever. Will never forget first seeing it at 10 years of age. Looking well Bruce. Peace!

[@gmann6269]

The tea room they barge into is not in Penrith, listen to this bit: 1:10:40

[@oenophilia555]

Damn, he has good taste in wine. I could listen to Bruce for days and days.

[@craigadam]

The light looks like a colourful happy whale. Love you Bruce and your strangely deep and honest view of what is hilarious. W&I has always been the only film I can watch again and again and enjoy more and more. Ps. I fucking hate phones as well.

[@Njal55]

What a delight. My favourite film of all time.

[@StratsRUs]

The bittersweet cherry on top is the theme.Something that just sums up the experience of the film for me.As great as it is to quote the film's lines...For the theme you just shut up and listen and it is every bit as potent. The Gold Rush and The Producers are great fellows of Withnail.

[@davidbaxter4910]

BRILLIANT ACTING BRILLIANT FILM. David Baxter.

[@davidbaxter4910]

ABSOLUTEMENT.

[@nallekarhu7994]

Been my favourite movie from first time i saw it 30 years ago.

[@jitzykins]

Marvellous. My favourite film in the world.

[@GSmyth85]

If you love listening to Bruce. You should watch his appearance on a Ruby Wax show back in 1998. Quality viewing.

[@ns2110theonly]

And Still Crazy, in my view as essential as Withnail.

[@DafyddBrooks]

awww bruce, thats amazing that youve done this, thank so much for this and i hope youre safe and sound!!!!

[@pearlfisher2813]

I bought David Dundas' single Jeans On for my mum on her birthday in the early 70s. It was the first record I'd ever bought.

[@iamj9127]

Watched at 1.5x. I'm making time!

[@emmajanewatts4388]

Hi, I just watched Ghost Story and Vivian was such a beautiful man, he played the part so well.

[@louiep777]

50:45 Incredibly curious about what he said. I’m guessing Esquire cut it out as it hard cuts to another question.

[@RoyKoopaling]

I love this man.

[@andrewwalsh2755]

I just visited Uncle Montys place today, in the Lakes... it doesn't appear to have a Blue Plaque... Outrageous! BTW... do I spy a copy of Humanae Vitae over your shoulder?...😉

[@kiyoaki1985]

Love this but I wish the volume was a bit louder, it's quite soft and hard to listen to without turning the movie down to where you can't really hear the actors

[@johncutler6377]

Marvellous. Maaaaaaarvellous.

[@JulithaRyan]

I love you - I am extremely grateful for your mind.

[@DafyddBrooks]

Did anyone ask him the question if "marwood" is I's real name???

[@gerardnfarrell]

What did he say around 50:41? Just after that there is a bit cut out. I'm curious!

[@gmann6269]

When this was shown "live" it was still pre-recorded and edited (because a few times there were technical issues, after one of them he's put a jumper on and mentions having had a tea break). What you're seeing is the same as what those of us who watched it on Sunday evening saw. So I don't know what he said after "everyone's so politically correct these days, it would be a bunch of queens outside the...". Perhaps Esquire cut it out because they worried he was getting too politically incorrect!

[@deliusmyth5063]

He said "I love you, Gerard Farrell." And you missed it!

[@Diamondraw4Real]

This is the only Mithnail and I fullmovie i could find

[@steelyman08]

It's only on the Criterion streaming site right now (unless you're willing to go to the more iffy sites). Even YT doesn't rent it. Hard to believe really.

[@olivia2811]

Definitely worth buying the DVD, I did so on eBay

[@TitoLukason]

I came here by mistake ;)

[@gmann6269]

1:13:12 Brexit rant/Alf Garnett impression

[@pigknickers2975]

Lovely. The wolves are still there, you can see them from the canal as you walk into Camden Lock as you pass the aviary.

[@Natrazor]

❤ great movie

[@stevesandford1437]

I would watch this man read a 'phone book... Bruce Robinson is an amazingly attractive and personable character. It's weird that he doesn't get cast as an actor anymore since he's a genuine 'type' in the kind of John Hurt/Alan Rickman mode... That said, he's an astounding writer and interviewee. ('Smoking In Bed' edited/compiled by Alistair Owen is a must-read for anyone who is interested in Bruce's life and career.) xx SF

[@bedtimestories6227]

Yes, seconded. 'Smoking In Bed' is astonishing because I can't imagine there are many people on earth who could slump into a chair and be so brilliant in their conversation for a weekend that the result is a book.

[@peggs1]

Enter Danny . Get down , punks.This man is before you were born......

[@theorz8698]

I always had this theory that withnail was an imaginary character who represents all the resentment and bitterness that the other one felt inside, and that he could only evolve as a person by separating from him, as shown in the end.

[@timlloyd2129]

Like "Fight Club" except Withnail can't fight.

[@theorz8698]

@@timlloyd2129 Except that tyler durden is kind of a male fantasy, he is everything that the narrator aspires to be but can't, withnail on the other hand, respresents all the things the main character is trying to escape from.

[@FightCollective]

Except Withnail has a great dialog at the end and shows his true potential... maybe we shouldn't separate the ying from the yang. After all, look at all the tasteless, insipid, tedious wank celebrities we have 'infesting' our media.

[@TIMG128]

Legend

[@alasdairbaird7303]

This has been seen as far afield as Australia "do you understand!"

[@davidthompson6767]

I used to work for Customs and Excise on the floor above the film company that produced W & I in Soho. I think it was called Goldcrest, not sure about that. When there was misdirected post, I always said I would take it downstairs as the female staff were so attractive, I managed to blag a ticket for the press showing. I saw at once what a wonderful film it was and was surprised to read the Luke-warm film reviews.

[@adamskorupskas2184]

Bruce Robinson's Jack The RIpper book rules!