<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3yqkIh_0vftpH8e00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3yqkIh_0vftpH8e00" width="1140" height="570" ><figcaption>Image by Federico Napoli&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><p>Many movies have portrayed alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, over the years. The fact that these stories are often commercially and critically successful is a testment to how many people see authenticity in stories that highlight this illness and the impact it can have. <b>What brings these stories together are the performances by actors who can play people with alcohol use disorder in authentic and compassionate ways</b>.</p><p>As a whole, movies about alcohol use disorder often focus on one or more protagonists who are impacted by this illness, and how their lives spiral out of control before recovery can even be considered. Some performances, like <b>Nicolas Cage</b> in <i>Leaving Las Vegas</i>, are ultimately tragic ones with heartbreaking outcomes. Others, like <b>François Cluzet</b> in <b><i>One for the Road</i></b>, offer a hopeful perspective from a real person who walked this road.</p><h2><b>10</b> <b>François Cluzet</b> </h2><h2>'One for the Road' (2009) </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3ppFJW_0vftpH8e00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3ppFJW_0vftpH8e00" width="825" height="413" ><figcaption>Image via Wild Bunch</figcaption></figure><p>François Cluzet <b>plays a reporter</b> in recovery in <i>One for the Road</i>. The story is based on reporter Hervé Chabalier's autobiography, including his description of his recovery. The story follows Hervé as he reflects on his life and why he wants to begin his recovery journey. The story follows him as he seeks treatment and confronts how much his alcohol use disorder has impacted his life and how dangerous it has become for him.</p><p>Cluzet offers an authentic portrayal of the recovery process. He shows his character much compassion as he engages in this difficult but worthwhile process. <b>Cluzet shows his character confronting the reality of the challenges in engaging with and maintaining sobriety without sugarcoating the process</b>. Cluzet also allows Hervé to be honest with himself, which is shown to be an essential step in his recovery. Ultimately, Cluzet offers a compassionate, character-driven reflection on the recovery process in <i>One for the Road</i>.</p><p><i>'One for the Road' is not currently available for streaming.</i></p><h2><b>9</b> <b>Jane Fonda as Alex Sternbergen</b> </h2><h2>'The Morning After' (1986) </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1Iw4qx_0vftpH8e00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Iw4qx_0vftpH8e00" width="1650" height="825" ><figcaption>Image via Warner Bros.&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><p><b>The Morning After</b> stars <b>Jane Fonda</b> as Alex Sternbergen, an actress with alcohol use disorder. This psychological drama follows Alex as she attempts to recreate the events of a night that led her waking up in the same bed as a deceased man. She goes on a quest of sorts to find evidence to prove her innocence, and to find out what really happened. Along the way, she has to partner with others who have answers that she needs.</p><p>While the story in The Morning After may border on the fantastic, Fonda's performance is notable for its nuance when it comes to alcohol use disorder. At its core, this is a chaotic performance that captures how much alcohol use disorder can impact ones life. Although the stakes may not be based in reality in <i>The Morning After</i>, the disarray that this illness causes is all too real. <b>Ultimately, this performance charms because it shows a woman in the very beginning stages of choosing sobriety and recovery</b>.</p><h2><b>8</b> <b>Jack Nicholson as Francis Phelan</b> </h2><h2>'Ironweed' (1987) </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1MD3ZI_0vftpH8e00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1MD3ZI_0vftpH8e00" width="1650" height="825" ><figcaption>Image via&nbsp;Tri-Star Pictures</figcaption></figure><p>In <b>Ironwood</b>, <b>Jack Nicholson</b> stars as Francis Phelan, a former baseball player whose life has been deeply impacted by his alcohol use disorder. The story showcases how much the illness impacted Francis's family, including the devastating fact that he dropped his infant son while he was potentially intoxicated. The story is set during the Great Depression, which adds to Francis's difficulties. He reconnects with his former flame, and the two try to reconcile their respective pasts and present challenges.</p><p>This is another example of a tragic, but deeply human portrayal of a character with alcohol use disorder. <b>What makes Nicholson's character study so authentic is the fact that he showcases the additional difficulties that people with alcohol use disorder face when they are also living in poverty</b>. Nicholson spotlights a character who is evidently looking for connection, and who is willing to do whatever it takes to re-establish previous relationships.</p><h2><b>7</b> <b>Denzel Washington as Captain Whip Whitaker</b> </h2><h2>'Flight' (2012) </h2><p>In <b>Robert Zemeckis</b>' well-reviewed drama movie <b><i>Flight</i></b><b>, Denzel Washington</b> gives one of the best performances of his singularly lauded career as commercial airline pilot Whip Whitaker, who's initially praised for landing a flight in a near-catastrophe, before questions surrounding his secret lifestyle, involving drug addiction and alcohol abuse, emerge.</p><p>Washington was Oscar-nominated for this turn, and it's <b>a titanic look at denial, demoralization, and ultimately grace.</b> The film didn't need the coda that ties things in something of a bow, but the slightly corny epilogue isn't enough to undermine a performance that's utterly flawless, and a movie that's very nearly so.</p><h2><b>6</b> <b>James Woods as Bill Wilson</b> </h2><h2>'My Name is Bill W.' (1989) </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0POsmR_0vftpH8e00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0POsmR_0vftpH8e00" width="825" height="413" ><figcaption>&nbsp;Image via Hallmark</figcaption></figure><p>My Name is Bill W. is the fictionalized story of the real people behind the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. The story shows "Bill W." and (<b>James Woods</b>) and "Dr. Bob" (<b>James Garner</b>), two men with alcohol use disorder who come together to form the mutual support group that became AA. My Name is Bill W. follows both Bill W. and Dr. Bob and their lives before they founded AA. Their lives had become unmanageable because of their illness, and so they found a way to help themselves and others.</p><p><b>James Woods portrays Bill W. as the flawed and compassionate person that he was</b>. Woods balances his portrayal of the seriousness of alcohol use disorder with the hope that the character eventually found in mutual aid. This duality is important, and shows that while alcohol use disorder can have devastating consequences, there is still hope for recovery. Woods' version of Bill W. also illustrates how important mutual support is when it comes to the recovery process.</p><h2><b>5</b> <b>Paul Newman as Frank Galvin</b> </h2><h2>'The Verdict' (1982) </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2fst6w_0vftpH8e00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2fst6w_0vftpH8e00" width="1650" height="825" ><figcaption>Image via 20th Century Studios</figcaption></figure><p><b>Sidney Lumet</b>'s <b>The Verdict</b> stars <b>Paul Newman</b> as attorney Frank Galvin with alcohol use disorder. Initially, while Frank's alcohol use disorder is shown to be at least moderately severe, he is able to function as a medical malpractice attorney. When he takes a case that impacts him on an emotional level, he has to focus on getting a just outcome for his clients. Throughout the case, Frank has to frequently manage his own emotions as the stakes get progressively higher.</p><p>Newman's performance as Frank is nuanced because it shows that there are many people with alcohol use disorder who seemingly function without issue in their jobs. However, Newman shows the other side to this, which is that it becomes increasingly unmanageable to function in particularly high-stress settings. <b>Newman also gives Frank the space to examine how chaotic his life has become and to make the choice to either continue spiraling or to take control of his future</b>.</p><h2><b>4</b> <b>Tilda Swinton as Julia</b> </h2><h2>'Julia' (2008) </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3T40UW_0vftpH8e00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3T40UW_0vftpH8e00" width="825" height="413" ><figcaption>Image via Magnolia Pictures&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><p><b>Tilda Swinton</b> plays the titular character in <b>Julia</b>, the story of a woman with alcohol use disorder who is confronted with how serious her illness has become. As her illness becomes more intense, she finds herself in increasingly dangerous situations that she has to navigate. In all of the chaos, she continues to try to find some semblance of recovery, and reckon with her family history of alcohol use disorder as well.</p><p><b>Swinton showcases another example of a character who experiences the consequences that can come with untreated alcohol use disorder, and how the lack of support can lead to those with the condition feeling like they are spiraling out of control</b>. Swinton's vulnerable performance shows just how at risk those with alcohol use disorder can be and how much danger the illness can cause if unmanaged. She also shows her character as able to get her life back on track, regardless of the past.</p><p><i>'Julia' is not currently available to stream. </i></p><h2><b>3</b> <b>Andrea Riseborough as Leslie</b> </h2><h2>'To Leslie' (2022) </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4QSVTE_0vftpH8e00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4QSVTE_0vftpH8e00" width="825" height="413" ><figcaption>Image Via&nbsp;Momentum Pictures</figcaption></figure><p><b>To Leslie</b> follows Leslie (<b>Andrea Riseborough</b>), a troubled woman with alcohol use disorder who wins a local lottery only to spend it all on alcohol and drugs. She is estranged from her family, including her young son. As her illness progresses, she becomes increasingly destitute and has to rely on members of her community to carry on. Slowly, she rebuilds her life and begins the road to recovery and sobriety while confronting her past traumas.</p><p>While Leslie's journey is a difficult one, Riseborough always focuses on the character's humanity. The fact that she shows Leslie with all of her flaws and strengths showcases just how nuanced this character is. This performance is another that pairs the reality of alcohol use disorder with the fact that hope is possible. <b>Riseborough's performance also captures the fact that recovery is often a long and difficult road, and that it takes much strength to start on this road</b>.</p><h2><b>2</b> <b>Lady Gaga as Ally</b> </h2><h2>'A Star is Born' (2018) </h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0atL0p_0vftpH8e00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0atL0p_0vftpH8e00" width="825" height="413" ><figcaption>Image via Warner Bros. Pictures</figcaption></figure><p><b>Lady Gaga</b> and <b>Bradley Cooper</b>'s version of A Star Is Born follows an aging singer and an up-and-coming star. As country star Jackson's illness gets progressively worse, his new love Ally struggles to support him. Their story illustrates the fact that alcohol use and substance use disorders have profound impacts on relationships and families. Ultimately, Ally faces a choice in whether to follow Jackson's path, or to set boundaries and focus on her own life and career.</p><p>Lady Gaga's performance in <b>A Star is Born</b> is a compassionate look at loved ones who support those with alcohol and substance use disorders. Her character's journey in the movie is an important one. Lady Gaga portrays a woman at a crossroads. Watching her develop this character and give her the chance to choose herself is deeply inspiring. <b>Lady Gaga shows a woman who is profoundly impacted by her husband's illness but ultimately has to set boundaries that allow her the space to live her own life</b>.</p><h2><b>1</b> <b>Nicolas Cage as Ben Sanderson</b> </h2><h2>'Leaving Las Vegas' (1995) </h2><p>Leaving Las Vegas follows screenwriter Ben Sanderson (Nicolas Cage) who has alcohol use disorder and who has decided to die by suicide after losing his job and his family. He decides to go to Las Vegas, where he meets Sera (<b>Elisabeth Shue</b>), a sex worker. The two bond, and Sera does her best to support Ben in seeking treatment for his illness. As the story continues, however, it becomes abundantly clear that Ben's illness has become incredibly severe.</p><p>This is considered one of Cage's most notable roles, as it won him an Academy Award for Best Actor. What makes his performance so magnetic is the fact that he humanizes this man who is in the depths of despair. His portrayal of a man with alcohol use disorder is deeply tragic. His character underscores just how serious alcohol use disorder can become. <b>Cage's performance also illustrates the fact that recovery cannot be forced and that each person must be able to choose to engage in sobriety</b>.</p></div></body>

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The 10 Best Performances in Movies About Alcoholism and Addiction

Many movies have portrayed alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, over the years. The fact that these stories are often commercially and critically successful is a testment to how many people see authenticity in stories that highlight this illness and the impact it can have. What brings these stories together are the performances by actors who can play people with alcohol use disorder in authentic and compassionate ways.