Morrison's Lament
Bluelighter
I became interested in this movie because of the expression, "That was his lost weekend" in regards to an alcoholic or drug addict. I heard of this black and white movie (from 1945, but I would never have believed that untill I looked it up just now, I assumed it was early sixties!) - and even though I absolutely hate watching old movies I gave it a go.
I have now seen it about a dozen times, most recently last night, and must say I find it the most haunting tale of addiction I have ever seen. Maybe it's because I've not only used illegal drugs, but abused legal ones like Alcohol, the movie still speaks to me on a more philosophical level.
The main character is a likable and popular guy, a writer. Yet he never finishes anything, and it soon becomes clear that his drinking is tearing apart his life and those around him. You get to see a few flashbacks and then basically the rest of the movie is the descent to the proverbial rock bottom. The fear, the isolation, the guilt... I dunno, I feel profoundly uncomfortable every time I watch the movie, but strangely relieved afterwards.
The acting of Ray Milland, the lead, is superb. It absolutely conveys the desperation both in his face and his voice, every justification that goes through his mind is played across his face in ways I can't fully explain. You just KNOW that man is suffering this terrible mental disease that addiction is for real - even though he is just an actor. The rest of the cast is disappointing, but they aren't major players anyway. The doctor was pretty good though, and the brother not bad either, but the two female leads were a bit stereotypical. Perhaps the roles were just written that way, I realize that in 1945 womens liberation had quite a way to go.
Anyway, if you haven't seen it, and you have ever been addicted to anything - give it a shot. I have it on DVD but it should be available in the classics section of a good video store.
--- G.
I have now seen it about a dozen times, most recently last night, and must say I find it the most haunting tale of addiction I have ever seen. Maybe it's because I've not only used illegal drugs, but abused legal ones like Alcohol, the movie still speaks to me on a more philosophical level.
The main character is a likable and popular guy, a writer. Yet he never finishes anything, and it soon becomes clear that his drinking is tearing apart his life and those around him. You get to see a few flashbacks and then basically the rest of the movie is the descent to the proverbial rock bottom. The fear, the isolation, the guilt... I dunno, I feel profoundly uncomfortable every time I watch the movie, but strangely relieved afterwards.
The acting of Ray Milland, the lead, is superb. It absolutely conveys the desperation both in his face and his voice, every justification that goes through his mind is played across his face in ways I can't fully explain. You just KNOW that man is suffering this terrible mental disease that addiction is for real - even though he is just an actor. The rest of the cast is disappointing, but they aren't major players anyway. The doctor was pretty good though, and the brother not bad either, but the two female leads were a bit stereotypical. Perhaps the roles were just written that way, I realize that in 1945 womens liberation had quite a way to go.
Anyway, if you haven't seen it, and you have ever been addicted to anything - give it a shot. I have it on DVD but it should be available in the classics section of a good video store.
--- G.
