My Name Is Bill W

Are you an alocoholic? Is someone you love an alcoholic? It really doesn't matter. This movie, regrettably is available only on VHS, will give you insight, understanding, and hope. Hope, that most fragile of words, is the basis of this incredible made-for-TV motion picture. Bill Wilson comes home from World War I a hero. He then conquers Wall Street. He marries the love of his life, Lois. He then discovers both a new god, a new lover, a new idol; the bottle. This unflinching film looks at the descent of of alcoholic into hell, and his journey back, guided, not by the spirit of Virgil, but by another alcoholic, Doctor Bob. Together, they find a "cure" for an "incurable" disease. The disease of alcoholism. Neither could cure themselves, but together, they could find the way out of hell into if not paradise, at least life; life on life's terms. This film has been called the AA "Roots." I won't take up that guantlet. This film stands alone. The performances by James Woods, JoBeth Williams and James Garner stand on their own merits. It tells the story of one man's descent into the hell of addiction < and YES, alcoholism is an addiction >, and his return to the land of the living. Woods plays Bill W. with remarkable restraint, not denigrating into the hystrionics of Jack Lemmon in "The Lost Weekend"; as brilliant and well-meaning as that film is. Nor does this movie fall into high camp, as did "Reefer Madness" in the late Thirties. Instead, in "My Name Is Bill W.", we see a man driven to the depths of despair. A man beaten is beaten into the dust. To quote Cecil B. DeMille, "the dust from which prophets and holy men are formed. . ." Yet, this film is not preachy. It tells a story. A true story, all the more frightening, because it is true. Watch this movie. Listen to its message of hope, of truth, of honesty, openness, and willingness. Hear the story of the damned, who somehow, someway, found salvation. You will be moved. I promise you.

This movie is an EXCELLENT movie, that shows how AA originally started. It shows the history of how it all began back in the 1930's. It is actually very compelling, bu showing the seemingly "innocent" drinking" and how social drinking, for some people may turn into a full blown addiction, alcoholism. It shows how seriously the person who is alcoholic can be in denial, as well as their loved ones, who think their family or friend "can't really be an alcoholic, those are people living under a bridge, uneducated, or homeless" type of myths. It accurately describes the "disease concept" of alcoholism, and shows how people with severe alcoholism can get help from AA, and how well it works, It shows the growth of popularity in AA, as it has evolved and spread to be an International phenomenon, with excellent results for those who put their heart into following the "12 Steps" of recovery. It also introduces the concept of how "Al anon" came to be in existence. This is a very touching story, very well done, compelling. I have used it many years as a tool to teach clients and family members in rehabilitation centers, and it helped them really get a grasp on what they were felling and how to get help. It also does a great Job of reducing the "stigma" surrounding alcoholism, and may make it easier for people considering to get help, to actually try going to a meeting!

James Woods plays Bill Wilson, a successful business man and combat veteran of WWI who become a slave to alcohol. Supported by a wife that could have left and a God who inspired him Wilson went on the break the hold of drinking by helping others and relying on God and founding AA. It is a great depiction of a true story that laid the foundation to a saga that continues to save countless lives. As alcohol continues to ravage millions of lives who seek refuge from their fears and regrets by believing the lie that there is comfort in escape, this true story leads the viewer to another path, that of abstinence, recovery and a fulfilled life of helping others as one helps them self. Watch this movie. It's worth it.

Best and Most Truthful Movie About Alchoholics Anonymous I Have Seen! I saw this for the first time during an AA Event I was assisting with and it is truly a spectacular movie, unlike documentaries this movie has a great mix of antics as well as sticking to the story of how the program had originally started in Akron, OH and followed along the Oxford Group footsteps to create a program that has become a worldwide program that has helped many people pickup the pieces and dedicate their lives to sobriety. While this movie does not include the mention of other 12 step or support groups such as Al-Anon, Alateen or Narcotics Anonymous this movie is worth the money spent if you are interested in knowing more about the history of the program. Other recommended movies of this topic may include 28 Days or When a Man Loves a Woman.

I found this film to be a nice piece of work showing as close as possible the circumstances in which Bill W and Dr Bob met. These two people are one of the most influential forces in long term recovery in the world. The foundation of the 12 steps has become a base part of the any self improvement and spiritual awareness program. James Garner and James Woods are near their peak in this film. It shows the struggle of an alcoholic home and those consequences. Great acting, great set design and most believable actors. I actually got lost in the film as I got caught up in the story.. This one is a must see.

No viene en español

Great film , with some “Big Names” in it Well acted A must see for any “Friends’s of Bill W” Shame it was NTSC but once I’d got a Multi-Region player , I watched it twice , back to back

Based on the true life of Bill W. and Dr. Bob. I can relate because it took another Alcoholic, and them many alcoholics that I got to know and talk to that gave me a second chance at life. Living sober. and Oh what a wonderful life I am living. I fought tooth and nail to give up alcohol. I loved it and it was my God given right. Then I continued going to meetings, got a Big book and a sponsor and a home group. The last 15 plus years have been beyond my wildest dreams and imagination. Now I am living happily with my Wife of 7 + years, Have a good relationship with my kids and enjoying retirement. Oh ya.... Great movie!

Mi película no llego en la fecha estimada me mandaron un correo diciendo que la habíamos rechazado y se iba a devolver pero nunca llego a nuestro domicilio. Y la dirección está correcta No se AQUIEN contactar para informar este incidente por que quiero la película. De nuevo Qué pasa. Que no me hacen devolución ni responden. A mi reclamo que necesito hacer ??

Ce film retraçant la naissance du mouvement des Alcooliques Anonymes est un formidable message d'espoir. A voir par toutes celles et ceux qui souhaitent s'en sortir ou se rétablissent, et leurs proches.