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Behind-the-scenes photos reveal making of Withnail & I
Olivia Cole02.04.09
PREVIOUSLY unseen photos show the stars of cult film Withnail & I enjoying a rare rest from their hectic, hard-drinking characters.
The images are part of a show about the movie opening today at Camden's Proud Gallery.
The on-set pictures were taken by Murray Close and have attracted interest from a host of famous fans of the film.
Sadie Frost bought one photograph for £500 and another for £199 at the private view on Tuesday night.
Kate Moss, Johnny Depp and former Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern have also emerged as fans of the 1986 British hit.
The film follows two struggling actors spending a bizarre weekend in the country.
It launched the careers of its eponymous stars, Richard E Grant (Withnail) and Paul McGann (I), and co-starred Richard Griffiths.
Grant played the alcoholic, domineering friend of the more level-headed McGann, who is the film's narrator. Grant went on to star in numerous film and television productions including Jack & Sarah and more recently Gosford Park, while McGann became best known for being the eighth Doctor Who.
Frost said one of the photos was "a birthday present for a friend", fuelling speculation she had bought it for Moss, whose boyfriend Jamie Hince has nicknamed her "Withnail" after the hard-drinking rebel. Frost said: "It's rare that you come to an art show and want to buy everything." Withnail & Me opens today and runs until 7 June. Most of the photos cost £199 and are in editions of 50. Thirty were sold at the private view and the gallery say they have had a lot of inquiries from stars. Other fans of the movie include Russell Brand, Noel Gallagher and Chris Evans who bought Withnail's coat at auction for £5,000 in 2000.
Reader views (2)
Squiz, your slip's showing. Sadie Frost chanced upon the exhibition while attending a gig next door. She was friendly, respectful and alone. She stayed just as long as it took to buy a couple of pictures. They were two of about thirty sold that evening, all to 'ordinary fans' as far as I could tell. There's hundreds left, get yourself over there. And get over yourself.
- Paul Mcgann, Islington
Typical. Sadie 'opening of an envelope' Frost and her talentless chums get to the private sale and there's little left for the ordinary fans to purchase by the time they are allowed in.
- Squiz, Islington
