A wonderful heartfelt story of the founding of AA, focusing on the life of Bill Wilson both before and after recovery. Here James Woods gives an amazingly vulnerable performance as a man who cannot get sober and it is one of his best. The rendition of the founding of AA comes across as true due to its understatement. No apocalyptic two by fours, almost an accidental discovery of the way out of a seemingly impossible state of mind and body. Very moving and believable. Kudos to all involved. A masterpiece. 8 out of 10.
Add a Review
-
wisewebwoman28 December 2003
-
Walt-112 September 2002This was a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation. James Woods won the lead actor in a special or miniseries Emmy for this. James Garner's role is quite small, but key. This movie wisely spends most of its time with Bill W before the AA formation to give us a strong sense of the long hell that he lived before he found his answers. It is about him more than about AA. A very intelligent, well written, well acted, important story.
-
Not much to add to the hugely favorable consensus here about this made-for-tv-movie, so I will just echo what has been said. Good story about a vitally important organization, the man that founded it and how he did so. Good acting all around, good writing, and good direction.
Well worth seeing, not just as a docudrama, but as a well-crafted piece of cinema. -
James Woods puts in the most magnetic performance of his career in this stunning neglected classic. Normally known as a tough guy, Woods is profoundly affecting, and heartrendingly vulnerable as the charming and brilliant young stockbroker who succumbs to alcoholism, before going on to found AA, and help so many to find the strength to stay sober. It is wonderfully well directed, but of course the subject matter would prevent it from being a "classic" in the commercial sense. Artistically however, it is a triumph, well-paced and almost hypnotically powerful, with an Oscar-meriting performance.
-
namashi_127 July 2016'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. -
rpbndc115 November 2004I was a partly-involved spectator during the filming of the movie, and it was an incredible experience. The quality of the actors was usurped only by their unending interest in the story of Bill W and the important message they were delivering.
James Garner and James Woods were intensely focused on keeping the story of Dr. bob and Bill as true to form as possible. Jo Beth Williams played Lois Wilson incredibly well; first as a confused wife with no options and a drunkard husband; then as a strong willed but understanding partner for life.
If anyone has a loved one or knows of a friend whose life is impacted by an alcoholic, then this movie is both an eye opener and an inspiration to keep trying to find a way to fight and deal with the disease. -
HotToastyRag27 June 2022I saw the original 1958 film about the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous starring Richard Egan (Voice in the Mirror) and had no idea Hallmark made a television remake thirty years later. In My Name Is Bill W., the story wasn't exactly the same, but you'll still see an alcoholic destroying his marriage until he sobers up and finds that talking to other alcoholics is the best way to stay on the wagon. It's an interesting story, but William G Borchert's script was pretty uneven. Scenes connect without any continuity, characters are never seen from again without explanation, and there are large jumps in the plot cutting out important segments. For example, all of a sudden, James Woods holds up a large hardcover book with his name on it, and we're supposed to just accept the fact that he's written and published a book. More of the running time is spent on James's pre-sobriety years than his process in creating AA. I would have loved to have seen him putting together his first group meeting, creating the 12-step program, or making the organization official throughout the country.
For those who are more interested in a "Susan Hayward-esque" drama, James Woods gives a terrific performance. Any child of the 1990s only knows him from Hercules and Riding in Cars with Boys, so I highly recommend you rent a few of his heavy dramas from the 1980s. I had no idea he had such intense energy or could show such deep pain on the screen. Of course he has all the classic alcoholic scenes, from staggering and singing to drying out while being tied to the bedposts, but the real tour-de-force comes from the subtleties and the intimate admissions of his feelings. He reveals to his wife, JoBeth Williams, that he likes himself better when he's drunk. He knows he should stop, he knows he's hurting her, and yet, all he wants at that moment is a drink so he can become the man he likes. If he doesn't sound like the most likable fellow in the world, it's because he's not. In scene after scene, he's portrayed as selfish and in-the-moment. Even when he sobers up, he's still the same selfish man he was when he drank. Changing addictions, he becomes obsessed with talking about his sobriety and surrounding himself with like-minded people, and he still doesn't prioritize his wife.
I loved the attention to detail in the film. From the cars to the authentic-looking outfits, to wallpaper and the tiniest props (the old National Geographic magazines), I was totally immersed in the 1920-30s setting. Every time JoBeth Williams was on the screen, she got to wear a very pretty dress and time-period hairstyles. While I did criticize the script a bit, this movie is totally worth watching for James Woods's performance. -
jespereilertsen7 April 2003This movie carries a great message, and I was deeply touched by the story of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. It's an important historic treasure being preserved in a true and respectful film. The story is straightforward and strong and gives and honest impression of the pioneers of AA. Let this movie carry the message too.. There is a solution.. ;-)
If you liked this one - watch "Pay it forward" - a wonderful movie with a similar theme. -
Charles-3515 May 2005Message 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! -
Granada32114 March 2002This is an Excellent movie showing how AA started and how it works. It Shows non AA people how the program works. The two actors who played Bill and Bob are very believable as recovering alcoholics too. I wish everyone would watch this movie so they could see how the program works and so they would understand why people want to go to meetings the rest of their lives.
-
DaveS-610 February 1999This is the story of the founding of the organization Alcoholics Anonymous. I am acquainted with two people who knew Bill W (the main character in the movie) and they say that they believe this is an accurate depiction of the events shown in it.
-
Hi, my name is Gary H. and I am a recovering addict/alcoholic, amongst other things ... I have been clean and sober for over 10 years now and watching Bill W. helped me get a better insight of what and how the program was started. I choose and chose to break a certain part of my own anonymity as I am writing this review, so that you may know really of what I thought and how I really feel about this movie.
Bill W., was a very stirring and sensitively portrayed movie as James Woods took on the role of Bill W. His performance was second to none and I don't think anyone else could have portrayed Bill W.'s part any better and James Garner made an excellent Dr. Bob. Many times as I was watching this film I really related to both Bill W and Dr. Bob which shows the level of acting of these two fine performers.
I have the utmost respect and admiration of this movie as it was well performed and having been in a 12 Step Program for over 15 years now. In addition to having the knowledge of Bill W's life and teachings as well as Dr. Bob's story this wonderful Program of AA and the many other fellowships that have sprung up to help the addict/alcoholic who is still suffering. After visually watching this movie I found a greater peace and understanding that I never realized before and that I am not alone.
Thanks to the Grace of God, that Bill W. was there to have such a tremendous story to tell and how he and Dr. Bob help create the fellowship of AA. And thanks to the people who decided to create this project that James Woods and James Garner have immortalized forever. In twenty-five (25 words or less) ... "It's a Classic!" -
nbuffett6 January 2008I first saw the movie while I was in treatment. I was having problems grasping the concepts of treatment as my denial still would not allow me see just how sick I was. I give the movie credit for turning on the "1st ligh bulb" and created some interest in me to have a hard look to see if I do indeed have a problem with alcohol. Thanks to the treatment (and a lot of hard work), I will be celebrating my 2nd year of sobriety on the 13th of January, 2008. I have tried to explain the profound impact that this movie had on me personally but unfortunately, I feel that meer explanations just can't do it justice. I am very interested in purchasing a copy of the movie but I have no idea where I might possibly find it. As it was a made for TV movie, I have not been able to find it at the video stores.. Can someone please help??? Thanks Jim Bu
-
MarieGabrielle15 May 2006this type of film. He has such a diverse acting range, but it would be nice to see him in other films of this genre (See my review of "The Boost"). While the latter was not a great film, Woods elevates the material, as he does with this made for TV film as well.
The Story of Bill W. is about the actual founder of AA and the doctor (James Garner) who was his sponsor. Years ago (Think Ray Milland in "The Lost Weekend") people were simply locked up in asylums if they had addictions or neuroses. When AA was founded, it represented a way for people to help each other, without incarceration or cruel and inhumane treatment.
This film is important because it educates the audience about subject matter most people deny, or refuse to face. Similar social issues, such as homelessness and mental disorders are also touched on, as alcoholism is a disease, and causes many other societal problems. Watch this film. the story is well told, and the acting (especially by Woods) is excellent. -
kevin3218 December 2006This movie is a hit in my books. You can actually read the Book "Alcoholics Anonymous" and see Bill's Story the same as it is for the most part. A great help for new AAer's or for treatment centers. It actually takes you through the 12 steps if you really look at the movie. For those that are not familiar with the 12 steps, the first three anyway are: 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3. Were entirely ready to turn our will and our lives over to God as we understood him. 4 Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
-
kong-73 October 1999James 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.
-
trusten30 December 2007I have seen this film more than any other film ever made, because I need to see it. It is to be shown tomorrow evening at a local AA meeting, as it usually is on New Year's Eve. I can probably recite most of the dialog from memory.
Most people who have entered rehab have probably been shown this film, since it is such a well-acted, concise version of Bill Wilson's story. For those unfamiliar with Alcoholics Anonymous, this film is a must. For those in the fellowship (if any of us haven't seen it), it is also a must, and moving experience.
Fritz Weaver, who plays Lois Wilson's father (Dr. Burnham) in the film, is a much-unsung actor. Perhaps he is best remembered as the wayward Colonel Cascio in "Fail Safe" (1964) and also as the physician in another James Woods film, "Holocaust" (1978). Also, it was in this film that first I saw the amazing Gary Sinise (Ebby Thatcher, Bill's sobriety mentor), who went on to do my favorite version of Harry Truman, and also shined as "Colonel Dan" in "Forrest Gump" opposite Tom Hanks. -
wrongway114 February 2009Good movie overall. but: The part in which Lois just had here miscarriage and almost died- She's lying on hospital bed, not looking like someone who nearly died! She looked like she was about to go out and run a marathon! And I think Dr. Bob should have been portrayed as a bit older.
Bill looking in the mirror during a brutal hangover- simple, yet very moving. Any alcoholic should be able to identify. Did the 'guilt, shame and remorse' thing , too. Good 'period' sets and costumes.
Bill's selfish and egotistical personality is well portrayed by Woods. Well done, but obviously a 'made-for-TV' budget. -
tomhr4 February 2011Full disclosure: I am not an alcoholic (I drink less than a six-pack a year), but someone I'm close to, has been sober in AA for many years. It has frustrated me intensely that I have not been able to understand this part of her life.
Now I have a much better idea.
I found the movie to be honest. Sometimes Bill Wilson is a hero, sometimes he's a jerk, and sometimes he's a disgusting, drunken bum. In one AA scene, one of the men at the meeting acts sober, but he has the shabby clothes of a wino (which told me that he was very new into the program), and I remember being surprised that nobody making the movie tried to "glamorize" his wardrobe. And the first time that Bill Wilson meets "Dr. Bob," it's pretty obvious that the good doctor is suffering from a hangover! Also, Bill's friend Ebby, who actually leads Bill to sobriety, falls off the wagon and lies about it, in a heartbreaking scene. Like I said, this movie is honest. -
RodInOz23 June 2006I 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.
-
sondancer77711 August 2009Prior comment notes that this film is out of print. I found it on sale at amazon.com for $13.99 DVD brand new. Performances are outstanding. Gratitude to the producers and H.P. for getting this film back on the market. I found the film to be an excellent source for my work with persons who have the diseases of alcoholism and addiction. Repeating to get the 10 lines of text. Prior comment notes that this film is out of print. I found it on sale at amazon.com for $13.99 DVD brand new. Performances are outstanding. Gratitude to the producers and H.P. for getting this film back on the market. I found the film to be an excellent source for my work with persons who have the diseases of alcoholism and addiction. 08/12/09
-
ThommyMac11 August 2007Expertly acted, great sets, and an interesting story brought to the screen. How much more could you ask for? Having been sort of forced to watch many recovery movies at the VA, this one shines. Take it from a cynic, this is well worth watching. Most movies dealing with addiction are syrupy, saccharine, and all the problems are solved at the end of 90 to 120 minutes. I understand that this is the nature of movies HOWEVER it is NOT the nature of recovery. Non-members of the AA fellowship can enjoy it for how well it shows the beginning of the movement, friends of people in recovery can identify with the supporting characters, and "friends of Bill W." can marvel at the birth of a miracle. Finally, the straightforward script manages to avoid the aforementioned "sappy" pitfalls inherent to most recovery movies. It beats "28 Days" anytime.
-
catgirl66715 June 2007The dialogue was melodramatic and trite. Scenes and scenes of crying and complaining and way too much, "I want to be sober, Lo, really I do!" was just a bit too over the top for my taste. The histrionics were verging on comedy. It was quite obvious that it was a made for TV movie.
That said, I have to admit that it was a nice tale of how Alcoholics Anonymous got started. The bar scene in Akron, OH, displays accurately, not just the creation of AA, but also why people who are trying to stay sober need something like AA.
Overall, it wasn't that bad. There was plenty of eye-rolling on my part,but generally speaking it was nice. I don't think that I will watch it again, but if I'm bored and flip through to the Hallmark channel,I might stop and watch a bit. -
mmthos6 July 2021Bill W(ilson) (James Woods) founder of AA. Jo Beth Williams is Mrs. Wilson, 2 of the most gifted and reliable actors in film whose authenticity in the roles lends a special sensitivity to the joy and pain of life for men and women that elevates this from falling into a run-of-the mill "Disease of the Month" TV movie. Far from it! All aspects of this effort are top drawer. James Garner plays the AA co-founder and Gary Sinise is Bill's Best Friend and Drinking Buddy for Life who actually gets on the wagon before Bill, but falls off and, tragically, never gets back.
A quality project.