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Rating:  - Fine movie, but don't look for 12 Steps
This is a good movie that most likely was far ahead of its time in the 1940s. When I first saw it nine years ago, I was disappointed that Ray Milland's character didn't find sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous. However, AA was still a very young entity (only 10 years old) at the time this movie was made, so it may not have been enough of a force for the filmmakers to have considered for inclusion in the story. (About 17 years later, things were different: by the early 1960's, AA had a proven track record of success, and credibility, as the impetus for positive change in Jack Lemmon's character in The Days of Wine and Roses.) But even the founders of AA pointed out that there are many ways to sobriety; they never claimed that AA was the one and only option. If Ray Milland's character had to go through delirium tremens and its associated, terrifying hallucinations to be scared sober, that's ok, too. Could have been an effective warning to viewers struggling with alcoholism, themselves.
Rating: - The Lost Weekend My Review
Ray Millands portrayal of Don Birnum an alcholic writer is realistic for its time, He lies, steals, and hides His bottle. Jane Wyman does a great job in the loyal,forgiving,fiance role a scene that stands out for me is when He tries to pawn His typewriter. The Lost Weekend is one of the greatest movies to win Best Picture, showing the depths of Alcholisim.
Rating: - black and white sobriety
This film depicts the disease of alcoholism. Yes, alcoholism is a disease and fortunately we have learned a lot about the disease since the movie was made. I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to learn what powerlessness is all about. The symptoms of the disease are easily evident and so is the solution. Although motivation varies to quit drinking, and some believe will-power alone can solve the problem, for most recovery means going the extra mile in a formal treatment program and attendance at recovery support groups such as AA/NA.
Rating:  - Pretty intense
4.5 stars
This movie threw me for a loop when I saw it a few years back. It's rare to see an old black and white film with this kind of honesty and realism. It is cheesy at moments, but Milland delivers the goods (and the bads) as a true drinker (kinda hammy at times, but you just gotta roll with the era). In any case, this sure ain't no standard studio picture.
Wilder really scored with Lost Weekend. It took balls to make this movie. A true classic and worth watching with any over-the-top drinker you might know and love.
Rating: - DISEASE FOR ALL SEASONS
Yet another black and white classic,rarely seen by anyone.Oscar winner Milland plays an alcoholic writer, and brother,he's "got it bad". A person of his intelligence and sophistication should be "strong enough to control his drinking", shouuldn't he? Director Wilder was years ahead of his time, bringing alcoholism out of the closet,with eerie background music and a realistic supporting cast. "Bim" (Frank Faylen-later Dobie Gillis' father on TV),is truly satanic in his role as a male nurse, while Wyman barely avoids overacting her role as Milland's girlfriend. For those who feel that the movie is outdated,be assured that the disease of Alcoholism is not. Get out of denial and view a great motion picture!
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