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Take a guess how many times Oscar-nominated The Holdovers screenwriter David Hemingson has seen the 1987 British cult classic film Withnail and I. Maybe 10? Perhaps 20? Try upwards of 40. On this episode of The Spark Parade Hemmingson explains what about the film keeps him coming back. Listen above, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Hemingson gushes about everything from the sharp dialogue to the bleak setting to the charismatic performances (including the incandescent Richard E. Grant in his debut role). He even keeps a copy of its screenplay on his desk at all times — a reminder of how much of an impact it’s had on his work. In fact, there’s references baked right into The Holdovers:
“I quote the movie directly in one line in The Holdovers,” reveals Hemingson. “Where they’re like, ‘Have you smelled him? It’s 11 o’clock, he’s already lit.’ And Angus says, ‘Can you blame him? It’s freezing in here. It’s Greenland in here.’ I just wanted to put that one in as this little check for everybody who knew it, you know?”
There’s at least one more nod to Withnail and I in The Holdovers, so listen to David Hemingson reveal what it is above, or on your preferred podcast provider, and make sure to follow and review to support the show. You can also keep up to date with all our series by following the Consequence Podcast Network.
The Holdovers is streaming now on Peacock. Watch the Withnail and I trailer below.
Host Adam Unze (The Opus) explores creativity in all its forms on The Spark Parade by asking musicians, artists, comedians, and other creators to share the single cultural work that has most inspired them. Whether it comes from the world of music, film, comedy, visual art, or literature, we all have something that sparks our own creative desires. On The Spark Parade, guests reveal the single piece of art that ignites within them to fire of creation.