1945 - The Lost Weekend: "Don't Be Ridic"

1945 Best Picture Winner

Premiered November 29, 1945 in LA

Budget: $1.25 Million

Gross: N/A

I can sum this movie up in one word: unique. I've never seen a movie like it. The movie is about an alcoholic and the grip that the addiction has on him. It is a very serious movie that deals with some tough subjects. The movie does not include any humorous moments to occasionally lighten the mood, it leaves the viewer more and more discouraged an upset at the main character and his choices.

The production values were pretty poor. The opening scene features a wide shot of the New York skyline, only the shot is obviously of a picture made to look like a New York skyline. I don't think movie goers cared about production values back then. On the upside, the acting is very good and the story holds your attention and makes you think.

Joel

Favorite: The female lead, Helen, sticks by Don even though his bad choices spiral out of control during his bender. She sticks by his side even though he betrays her over and over again.

Least Favorite: The soundtrack was terrible. It sounded like the Star Trek soundtrack. Each time Don took another drink I wondered if the aliens were going to come down and get him.

Callie
Favorite: I liked the raw storyline and the way that it hit what was happening at the time.
Least Favorite: It was a bad movie. The production was bad, music was terrible, effects were horrible and the story was slow moving and boring.