My Name Is Bill W.

1989
7.2| 1h40m| en
Details

Based on the true story of Bill W. (James Woods), a successful stock broker whose life falls apart after the stock crash of the 20's and how he comes to grips with his alcoholism. Along with a fellow alcoholic (James Garner) he forms a support group that would eventually become Alcoholics Anonymous.

Director

Producted By

Warner Bros. Television

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Reviews

Kattiera Nana I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.
Sexyloutak Absolutely the worst movie.
Allison Davies The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.
Mathilde the Guild Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.
namashi_1 'My Name Is Bill W.' is a genuinely affecting, sincere Biopic on a man who fought himself & gave something so real to the society. Yes, The Late/Great William Griffith "Bill W." Wilson wasn't an ordinary man & nor was his story & that's exactly why this biopic merits itself a watch. 'My Name Is Bill W.' is Based on the true story of Bill W. (James Woods), a successful stock broker whose life falls apart after the stock crash of the 20's and how he comes to grips with his alcoholism, only to become the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous years later. 'My Name Is Bill W.' wouldn't have been the same film, without James Woods & JoBeth Williams. Woods, undoubtedly one of the greatest actors in motion-picture history (if not the greatest), delivers a powerhouse performance as Bill W. He's unlikable, hard to sympathize with initially, but your heart breaks when he throws away the bottles & starts to offer help to fellow alcoholics. Woods is a force here. Williams as his long-suffering wife, The Late/Great Lois 'Lo' Wilson, matches up-to him at all times & is sensational. You heart goes out to her as she struggles with her husband's addiction & later, with his priorities taking over a relationship. Woods's performance earned him a well-deserved Emmy & Williams (though strangely not so recognized), are at the top of their games. Offering them great support is the Late/Great James Garner, who's flawless in brief role. Gary Sinise, too, shines in a supporting role.Directed Sharply by the Late/Great Daniel Petrie & Written Sincerely by William G. Borchert, 'My Name Is Bill W.' is something you should watch.
RodInOz I saw this in a detox here in Australia as "Anonymous Hero". It's a must-see for anybody who thinks they may have a drink problem or their suffering family. The whole crew have done their homework, from the collapsing in the street to the craving for a drink in early sobriety, to the slow growth of a new person, to the relationship that has to be rebuilt - this is the way it is, even today. Religion is tactfully presented as optional rather than mandatory - Bill's symbolic blinding white light in the hospital is a spiritual awakening rather than a religious experience. Plus you get James Garner's quiet humour to prevent it all getting too grim.
Charles Tomaras Message to the rights holders of this fine film: Why is this out of print and selling used for between $35 and 70$? How about another run of this...maybe this time on DVD?I've found it to be one of the best and only movies to deal with Alchoholics anonymous and a must have for any member of AA and anyone wanting to share the experience with others.Since I need to have at least 10 lines of text to post here I guess I'm just gonna keep typing even though I'm completely out of things to say. My name is Charlie T and I'd rather not share today but I am being forced.Thankfully...this is my 10th line of text!
kong-7 James Woods gives a terrific performance as Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. JoBeth Williams matches Woods as his loving but beleaguered wife. It is one of the best performances of her career. James Garner has a rather small role but as always he is terrific. This is just an inspiring film, one of the better made for tv movies.

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