Colin Farrell, himself part of some absolute bangers, names the one film that he views as flawless. Read more about the movie and its significance.
By Jacob Simmons
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Colin Farrell, but he’s managed to navigate a string of potential career-enders and come out the other side as a respected and sought-after actor. Long before donning a fat suit and putting on a questionable mob accent, the Irishman was delivering standout performances in critically acclaimed films. In Bruges, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, The North Water, The Banshees of Inisherin—all beloved by legions of devoted fans. But has Farrell ever made a ‘perfect’ movie?
According to the actor himself, he hasn’t. That’s because, in his eyes, there’s only one ‘perfect’ movie, and he’s not in it. When speaking with Rotten Tomatoes about some of his favourite films, Farrell gave some great answers. Back to the Future, Some Like It Hot, and Lawrence of Arabia all came up, but he reserved his highest praise for Bruce Robinson’s definitive black comedy, Withnail and I.
“Oh man, is there a funnier and more poignant film that captures the anarchic irreverence of that period?” he posited. “It’s just perfect, from start to finish, in my book. Ridiculously quotable with mad, perfect performances across the board. Richard E Grant is pure genius, but everyone in the film gives amazing and hilarious and heartbreaking performances. Again, I think loneliness and isolation, and a desire to belong play big parts in this one. The story is as much a love story between the two leads as anything, with a very sad break-up of sorts taking place at the very end, with Withnail left out in the rain.”
Released in 1987, the film tells the story of Withnail (Grant), a spiteful, hard-drinking, out-of-work actor who blames all his problems on anyone but himself. He and his friend Marwood (Paul McGann), who is credited by some as the eponymous ‘I’, end up at the country estate of his eccentric uncle (Richard Griffiths), where the limits of their friendship are tested.
Much has been written about the movie, which has its fair share of famous fans, particularly about the relationship between the two central characters. Much has been over whether or not Withnail and Marwood are secretly in love with each other or if the former’s affection is unrequited by the latter. The ending scene that Farrell mentioned, in which Marwood leaves his old roommate after finding work, is often cited as confirmation of this. However, it has to be said that Grant prefers the theory that Withnail is too self-obsessed to be in love with anyone but himself.
Even after decades in the limelight and countless other excellent roles, Withnail continues to be Grant’s most enduring and celebrated character. The film is one of the most popular cult movies around (if that’s not too much of an oxymoron), with fans going out of their way to find new ways to celebrate. There’s even an accompanying drinking game; drink every time Withnail does. For the love of God, do not attempt this yourself. You will not survive.
Somewhat surprisingly, Farrell has never co-starred with Grant in anything. The two actors would be a perfect fit for each other, and Farrell would most certainly be up for collaborating with a hero of his. If any casting directors are reading this, you know what needs to be done.
Source: Colin Farrell names the only “perfect” movie in cinema history