Review of The Lost Weekend (1945) by Thiago A — 06 Feb 2013

Billy Wilder has captured the brutal realism of alcoholism in this 1945 film that may view a little dated but still packs a whopping punch. Ray Milland is nothing short of astounding in his role as Don the alcoholic wannabe writer who pushes loved ones away for the comfort of the bottle.

Incredibly intense at times, the night scene in the rehab hospital is particularly chilling as patients scream at figments of their imagination; Don experiencing his own delusions later on in his brother's apartment (the bat is somewhat lame but it is easily forgiven).

Given the time that this film was made and the content tackled it really is a masterpiece of cinema addressing a social problem that is often glamorized in films. You accompany Don on his weekend of struggles and feel the frustration and desperation of all characters involved.