A dark, realistic tale about the harrowing consequences of alcoholism, Billy wilder directed “The Lost Weekend” (1945) has received seven academy Awards nominations and won in four major categories – the best picture, best director, best screenplay and best actor. The story was based on the novel of the same name, written by Charles R. Jackson. The film’s main protagonist is Don Birnam (Ray Milland), a struggling New York writer and a recovering alcoholic. The story unfolds over a four day period in which Don goes on an epic and humiliating drinking binge, with flashbacks harkening back to the previous six years of his life. Don’s brother Wick believes Don to be sober for a few days already, and the two are supposed to go on a weekend vacation. Don tries hard to escape the watchful eye of his brother so he could drink himself senseless. Even though Wick has thrown out Don’s secret supply of alcohol and left him with no money, Don manages to escape his attention, kicking off a four-day drinking binge that will put everything he loves - including his very existence – into jeopardy. Just when you think he couldn’t sink any lower, Don manages to embarrass himself even further until he is a delirious wreck. Ultimately, with the help of those close to him, don is forced to confront his demons. In the end, he symbolically drops a cigarette into a glass of whiskey, and finally begins writing a novel called “The Bottle”, which he dedicates to his devoted and supporting girlfriend Helen.
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