A highly acclaimed 1989 made-for-TV movie, My Name Is Bill W. dramatizes the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous, which came about as the result of a most extraordinary friendship. James Woods won a much-deserved Emmy for his inspiring portrayal of stockbroker Bill Wilson, whose drinking problem intensified after the catastrophic 1929 market crash. Plunging into an abyss of drink-fueled despair, Bill is only able to begin recovery after he meets fellow alcoholic Robert Holbrook Smith (James Garner)—a.k.a. “Dr. Bob”—with whom he forms a small support group for those similarly afflicted. The topnotch supporting players include JoBeth Williams as Bill's long-suffering wife, and Gary Sinise as his best friend. Director Daniel Petrie vividly depicts the heartaches that so often accompany stories like Bill's, from the disruption of careers to the dissolution of once-strong relationships, although the film never sugarcoats the material. In fact, neither of the dual protagonists seem especially heroic: they're simply ordinary men struggling to cope with a serious problem. Presented with a solid DVD transfer, extras include a “making-of” featurette. Highly recommended. (E. Hulse)
My Name Is Bill W.
Warner, 100 min., not rated, DVD: $19.99 Volume 21, Issue 5
My Name Is Bill W.
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