Grant’s character, Withnail, is inspired by MacKerrell.
“The diaries are also a touching tribute to MacKerrell’s friendship with Bruce Robinson, and the impact they had on each other’s lives.
Vivian MacKerrell had few acting credits, but his major contribution to film is in the hedonistic antics that inspired the movie, written and directed by his former housemate Bruce Robinson.
The diaries also record MacKerrell’s dreams, a list of songs, miscellaneous notes, creative writing in prose and draft letters.