The Lost Weekend (1945)
[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037884/]
The Gist:
This film is oft mentioned as one of the greatest films on alcoholism ever made (at least by Hollywood), and there's good reason for that. The biggest thing you have to get comfortable with is the theatricality of the whole thing, and that once or twice it feels a little overwrought in its depiction. The film's greatest asset, on the other hand, is conflict. It places its character in clear and concise and incredibly forceful conflict. I mean it, this film is instantly compelling, right from the opening frame. I honestly feel this should be requisite viewing for screenwriting classes to see how to give your characters and narrative immediacy. In this case its through the tragic flaw of alcoholism and constantly needing one more drink. Also, the dialogue is often quite beautiful, as the drunken protagonist laments his disease and abandons denial, seeing himself as someone who is without hope, longing for death. Cheery viewing material, right?
No comments:
Post a Comment