Review of The Lost Weekend (1945) by André D — 26 Jul 2012

The Lost Weekend won Best Picture, Director, Actor and Screenplay statues at the 1946 Academy Awards, providing the most harrowing account of alcoholism in its day. I think it still holds up as one of the most realistic and intense depictions of addiction ever captured on screen.

Obviously, much of the credit goes to the master Billy Wilder, who uses all the tools at his disposal to put us in the man's shoes at the story's center and how trapped he is. It also helps Ray Milland gives one heck of a performance.

It's definitely a message movie but not preachy, instead showing his dark weekend for what it really is and how he will stop at nothing to try and satisfy his thirst. Problem is, as one character says, "One drink is too many, and a hundred's not enough.

" If you think about it, it's pretty amazing what it got past the censors back in '45. Lost Weekend may feel dated in some regards, but many people's battle with alcohol is sadly just as relevant as it's ever been.