Both Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick were absolutely amazing in the film. Blake Edwards did a great job with the direction and Henry Mancini's memorable, beautiful theme song was just outstanding!
As a young adult I saw this movie way back soon after it came out. I don't know why I thought of it in late 2023. I drank, just like a lot of young men do and alcohol made me physically thirsty for another drink. Because of this movie I became fearful of becoming an alcoholic and of suffering the losses Jack Lemon portrayed. There's movie scenes shown in this video I don't remember. What I remember most is the lost relationship. This movie was a huge factor in me becoming and remaining a teetotaler for over 50 years.
I know this film seems melodramatic to you, but as someone who worked *for* alcoholics, worked *with* alcoholics, almost married a sober alcoholic and had to make the same decision "Joe" makes at the end of the film, when my love resumed drinking and resented my sobriety? I can tell you this is not exaggerated. And as someone who tried Al-Anon while seeking a way, any way, to save that relationship? I can tell you again that this is not exaggerated. And my life experience happened more than twenty years after this film was made. The disease does not change, the only things that change are the names and faces of the people it affects. This *is* how people actually behave; it's just that, until the disease progresses to the Skid Row stage, they try to hide it from everyone but family and drinking buddies. Here, we see behind the scenes. And this is actually somewhat toned down. Mr. Lemmon and Ms. Remick become sloppy, but their appearance does not deteriorate as it does for genuine hard drinkers; their child does not appear obviously malnourished or neglected, and has no signs of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [hard to fake in a film back then, unethical to film authentically, and unrecognized in the 60s], nor do we ever see "Joe" and "Kirsten" come to blows, though "Joe" smacks a drink out of "Kirsten's" hand in one telling scene. Believe me, real life is nowhere near as sanitized. Kudos to JP Miller who wrote the screenplay for both the original live TV play [Playhouse 90, Cliff Robertson and Piper Laurie] and the film [Jack Lemmon, Lee Remick]. Kudos to the actors and directors and everyone behind the scenes who made this work. And please check out the Playhouse 90 version of this film, the original. "Kirsten" is already a confirmed drinker when "Joe" meets her in the original, and it makes the depth of her addiction, and her speech about the world looking "too dirty" without alcohol to blur it, even more believable. Thank you for this review. I have only been able to watch the film, and the play, three decades after my own life was upended. Everything, in both versions, rang true.
I will be watching this film tomorrow. My sponsor has suggested it for me to watch. From the clips I've seen already I total mania of looking for that hidden bottle. I look forward to seeing it
great mention of Affliction ... and great movie to discuss, DWR, although I've never seen it, but I love Jack Lemmon. with many things as we age, alcohol can take over in disturbing, terrible ways. overall probably my favorite movies from Lemmon are some of his heaviest, including Save the Tiger and Mass Appeal.
My mom hates this movie 🎥 because it is my aunt Helen’s story she died of alcoholism at 42 and I never got to know her. She was someone my mom loved dearly. They do a good job of telling a sad story
What a waste of my life - 7 yrs. I was introduced to wine with a fancy dinner and a sweet functional alcoholic that was all she wrote. God had other plans for me 20 yrs ago now.🙏 thank you, my Lord
A must see for anyone who appreciates fine films. In a supporting role, Jack Klugman also gives a memorable performance (as usual).
Both Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick were absolutely amazing in the film. Blake Edwards did a great job with the direction and Henry Mancini's memorable, beautiful theme song was just outstanding!
As a young adult I saw this movie way back soon after it came out. I don't know why I thought of it in late 2023.
I drank, just like a lot of young men do and alcohol made me physically thirsty for another drink. Because of this movie I became fearful of becoming an alcoholic and of suffering the losses Jack Lemon portrayed.
There's movie scenes shown in this video I don't remember. What I remember most is the lost relationship.
This movie was a huge factor in me becoming and remaining a teetotaler for over 50 years.
They were both unbelievably believable
I know this film seems melodramatic to you, but as someone who worked *for* alcoholics, worked *with* alcoholics, almost married a sober alcoholic and had to make the same decision "Joe" makes at the end of the film, when my love resumed drinking and resented my sobriety? I can tell you this is not exaggerated. And as someone who tried Al-Anon while seeking a way, any way, to save that relationship? I can tell you again that this is not exaggerated.
And my life experience happened more than twenty years after this film was made. The disease does not change, the only things that change are the names and faces of the people it affects.
This *is* how people actually behave; it's just that, until the disease progresses to the Skid Row stage, they try to hide it from everyone but family and drinking buddies. Here, we see behind the scenes. And this is actually somewhat toned down. Mr. Lemmon and Ms. Remick become sloppy, but their appearance does not deteriorate as it does for genuine hard drinkers; their child does not appear obviously malnourished or neglected, and has no signs of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [hard to fake in a film back then, unethical to film authentically, and unrecognized in the 60s], nor do we ever see "Joe" and "Kirsten" come to blows, though "Joe" smacks a drink out of "Kirsten's" hand in one telling scene. Believe me, real life is nowhere near as sanitized.
Kudos to JP Miller who wrote the screenplay for both the original live TV play [Playhouse 90, Cliff Robertson and Piper Laurie] and the film [Jack Lemmon, Lee Remick]. Kudos to the actors and directors and everyone behind the scenes who made this work. And please check out the Playhouse 90 version of this film, the original. "Kirsten" is already a confirmed drinker when "Joe" meets her in the original, and it makes the depth of her addiction, and her speech about the world looking "too dirty" without alcohol to blur it, even more believable.
Thank you for this review. I have only been able to watch the film, and the play, three decades after my own life was upended. Everything, in both versions, rang true.
I agree 1000 percent
I will be watching this film tomorrow. My sponsor has suggested it for me to watch. From the clips I've seen already I total mania of looking for that hidden bottle. I look forward to seeing it
Hope you enjoy it!
The conclusion alone put it's above most films about addiction.
great mention of Affliction ... and great movie to discuss, DWR, although I've never seen it, but I love Jack Lemmon. with many things as we age, alcohol can take over in disturbing, terrible ways. overall probably my favorite movies from Lemmon are some of his heaviest, including Save the Tiger and Mass Appeal.
Dramatic Lemmon is so underrated.
My mom hates this movie 🎥 because it is my aunt Helen’s story she died of alcoholism at 42 and I never got to know her. She was someone my mom loved dearly. They do a good job of telling a sad story
great video man. keep up good work!
Thank you I appreciate it!
Great film. Thanks for the Review ❤
The best scene is where she comes on to her dad - a shocker!
It was the first American film I saw that Did not have a happy ending.
What a waste of my life - 7 yrs. I was introduced to wine with a fancy dinner and a sweet functional alcoholic that was all she wrote. God had other plans for me 20 yrs ago now.🙏 thank you, my Lord