For anyone interested... (not overlooking My Name is Bill W....of course) but for those who may want/need to relate, remember, or understand, or who may find themselves a bit isolated.
Barfly (1987)
Faye Dunaway and Mickey Rourke play two alcoholics whose lives briefly touch. Good examination of skid row alcoholism; based on a story by cult poet Charles Bukowski.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)
Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, and Burl Ives in a subdued adaptation of Tennessee Williams' play about "mendacity." Alcohol plays a prominent role in the lives of almost all the characters.
Come Back, Little Sheeba (1952)
Burt Lancaster and Shirley Booth in a film about alcoholism and marriage. Booth won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role.
Days of Wine and Roses (1962)
Blake Edwards film starring Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick. Lemmon teaches Remick how to drink. Lemmon is saved by AA; Remick is unable to stop drinking, despite the consequences.
Drunks (1997)
This film is the best available introduction to Alcoholics Anonymous. It is highly recommended for any student who will be working with substance abuse issues.
The Fire Within (1963)
French filmmaker Louis Malle's remarkable account of alcoholism, suicide, and the existential choices that confront us all.
Gervaise (1956)
French film based on Emile Zola's story about a young Parisian woman with an alcoholic husband.
The Graduate (1967)
A telling indictment of the shallow values of the time (e.g. "plastics"). Mrs. Robinson's alcoholism impairs her judgement and ruins her life.
Ironweed (1987)
Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep in compelling roles as homeless alcoholics. The film, a very realistic portrayal of life on skid row, should be contrasted with another excellent film made the same year, Barfly.
Key Largo (1948)
Clair Trevor won Best Supporting Actress for her role as an alcoholic singer forced to beg gangster Edward G. Robinson for a drink during a hurricane in Key West.
Last Night at the Alamo (1983)
Fascinating examination of bar culture in a small Texas town. Unforgettable characters, most of whom are coping with alcoholism and adultery.
Long Day's Journey into Night (1962)
Alcohol is part of daily life for this deeply troubled family. Numerous examples of family pathology, conflict between fathers and sons, and denial.
The Lost Weekend (1945)
Billy Wilder classic starring Ray Milland as a writer struggling to overcome his alcoholism. Some scenes were filmed at Bellvue, and the examples of delirium tremens are very convincing. Polanski borrowed scenes from The Lost Weekend as models for his film Repulsion.
My Favorite Year (1982)
A great actor (modeled after John Barrymore and Errol Flynn) who has become a pathetic drunk must confront one of the greatest challenges of his career — a live television performance.
Streamers (1983)
Robert Altman film about three soldiers waiting to go to Vietnam. The film deals with themes of homosexuality, violence and racism but also illustrates the alcoholism that is pervasive in military life.
Taxi Blues (1990)
Alcoholic jazz musician becomes friends with anti-Semetic taxi driver. This Russian film won the prize for Best Director at Cannes. Fascinating examination of the role of alcohol in the daily lives of the protagonists in Moscow society.
Tender Mercies (1983)
Sensitive and optimistic film in which Robert Duvall plays a successfully recovering alcoholic songwriter. Duvall won an Oscar for this almost perfect performance.
Trees Lounge (1996)
Steve Buscemi wrote and directed this compelling film; and he plays the lead character, a 31-year-old unemployed auto mechanic. Few contemporary films present a more vivid picture of the problems associated with alcoholism.
Under the Volcano (1984)
John Huston directing Albert Finney; excellent portrayal of chronic alcoholism.
The Verdict (1982)
Paul Newman in a wonderful role as a disillusioned alcoholic lawyer who becomes genuinely involved with a brain-injured client who is the victim of medical malpractice. He wins the case but continues to drink. Interesting analysis of codependency.
Thanks Nic, I have seen most of these, maybe something to watch again when it's to hot outside to sit in the shade. I'm sure all have seen "When a Man Loves a Woman", I still remember the very first time I saw that movie, all the emotions it stirred up in me.And I still watch "Tender Mercies" each time I'm flipping channels at 3 in the morning and it's on and usually half over. I remember "Days of Wine and Roses", I was 8 when I went to the movies with an Aunt to see it.I think I understood it far more than an 8 year old should have back then.
Hey now I'm thinking about hot buttered popcorn, and will have to settle for light micro version....yuck.
There's a 2001 film called "Pollack" w/Ed Harris .. about the life of painter Jackson Pollack. I found that pretty vivid. Especially since I've seen and lived some of that "deranged alcoholic world of art" myself. Fun & exciting times to be sure but I'm so glad I'm not living like that today. Saw far too many crash and burns. The ones that didn't either got sober or became increasingly pathetic.
Interesting list of films, I don't think I've seen any except for 'Trainspotting' mentioned be Wantneeda. This film is enough to put anyone off drugs, including alcohol (Psychotic behaviour of 'Begbie')
Another good one is 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' based on a book by Hunter S Thompson (comitted suicide not long ago.).
It's scary that we will all be able to relate to these films in one way or another because we have been there!
Hope everyone is well.
I'm still running round getting sorted out for the wedding, working too hard and looking after two very demanding little duck chicks (getting bigger by the minute)
Best wishes to everyone.
Chris.
__________________
"Computer games don't affect kids; I mean if Pac-Man affected us as kids, we'd all be running around in darkened rooms, munching magic pills and listening to repetitive electronic music." -- Kristian Wilson, Nintendo, Inc, 1989"
Good recovery films that I've seen--My life as a House and (you're gonna laugh) Bruce Almighty. Definitely a movie for anyone working on thier 3rd step--I started crying during this very funny film, felt like such a boob, but it really hit home for me.
Now I got a list of films to look for at the video store! Thanks all...
