Silver Damsen
I saw this film when I was still active in AA. Because of the harm that AA did to me and the harm I saw it do to others, I have since become a member of the Anti-AA community. I respect the film's slickness, but I also fear it.Most striking about the film is how it takes several of Bill Wilson's most notorious true behaviors, such as his rampant cheating on his wife; his asking for alcohol on his death bed; the general rumor that he was manipulate and unhappy; and used LSD, and somehow reinvents them so that the viewer leaves the film feeling that all of this just proves even more that Bill W. was a truly "spiritual" and blessed individual.It is an interesting film because I think it helps to understand how and why AA considers itself "spiritual" when it more accurately is one of the more dangerous of the active and semi-accepted cults in the US today, such as the KKK and Scientology. AA is more dangerous than its less respected cousins because everything that indicates that there is something seriously wrong with the culture of AA, is somehow turned so that the viewer concludes at the end that "Of course, cheating on your wife is just fine for a spiritual leader, such as Bill W" even if the same people would make the opposite conclusion if a political leader did the same.Thus, the film is most useful in demonstrating how the superior marketing of AA has made it a "spiritual" institution, despite its corrupt standards of ethics and morals. However, this knowledge comes at the risk of being brainwashed by the film itself and actually believing its definition of "spirituality."
Steve Pulaski
Bill Wilson (also known as "Bill W.") seems to embody the archetypal characteristics that make the American hero. Bill founded the popular organization Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), but the catch here is that he was not only the organization's founder but a fellow member, who long struggled with alcoholism after his service in World War I. He was a man who tried to conquer and overcome his own personal demons, while recognizing and assisting those with similar ones. He's an underrated, often uncredited man.Thankfully, Dan Carracino and Kevin Hanlon credit his valuable contributions with Bill W., a documentary humanizing the man behind AA, who often remained a vague figure to even those apart of the organization. So much so that his last name wasn't even revealed until his death in 1971. Bill was born in East Dorset, Vermont in 1895, living a quiet and humble life, and had not his first drink until he was in military training; it was a glass of beer which had no effect on him whatsoever. That was until he drank again at a party, breaking free from his shyness and introverted personality into a man of confidence and liberation.Not long after marrying his wife Lois, Bill left to serve in World War I. Upon returning, he became a stock speculator and traveled with his wife in an effort to make ends meet and stay sober. Unfortunately, that didn't work either, and Bill's constant binge drinking and pervasive drunkenness effectively tore his life and career apart. Thankfully, with the commitment of his long-suffering wife, him and his close friend Hank G. Parkhurst founded AA, a spiritual program for struggling alcoholics.At the time, this kind of thing was unheard of, and the documentarians make note of that. Alcoholism was seen as more of a weakness than a sweeping disease. People were often given medication or committed to an asylum in order to maintain sobriety. Bill's approach with AA was much more humane and organized, but different and something of a wonder. Instead of focusing on heavy medication or persistent psychoanalysis and treatment, Bill predicated the organization off of six steps (now infamously known as "the twelve-step program") that allowed one person to get deeply in touch with their inner-alcoholic self, using religion, spirituality, mental stability, and determination as key functions to get to and remain in a state of sobriety. This method of "natural cures" was also unheard of at time, and for that reason, the more and more I think of Bill more as not only a lifesaver, but a pioneer.Bill's story is largely told by current AA members (some who've maintained sobriety for an upwards of fifty years) shown in shadow to obscure identity. "Alcoholism is a treacherous disease," says one member, "and there's a real barrier to recognizing things like this." What he is saying is that perhaps alcoholism is a hard thing to pinpoint for those who are struggling because they may feel like they have just gone over the line of "one too many" a few times and that it's no big deal in the long run. Or perhaps they find that they are more competent and confident when under the influence. Alcoholism is a sad addiction because you usually can't see the world crumble around; you only see your surrealistic vision of it.A terrific feature about Bill W. is that it allows itself to be told not just through the perspective of current AA members, but himself, in archive footage, live interviews, and speaking sessions. This provides the film with a close-to-home feel, as if Bill is still telling his story even though he's no longer with us. I could listen to Bill talk for hours, personally. He has a deeply sophisticated persona about him, calm, determined, and filled with dry-wit, as he recounts his darkest days and his brightest ones in an attempt to lead others as far away as possible from the path of self-destruction.Bill W. best serves as a film that allows the man, who has heard a number of stories, the opportunity to let his story be heard by members and people who are likely unaware of the accomplishments and tribulations he went through. Perhaps current AA members or those who have handled their problems with alcoholism away from the institution will enjoy this film more than me. I admire Wilson's accomplishments and truly believe he deserves the title of "one of the most influential men of the century," yet I am unable to form a deep connection with any story here or with Wilson himself, which seems to crucial to enjoy this documentary. I would never discourage anyone from seeing it, but the main effect may likely be absent from most viewers.Starring: Bill Wilson (archive footage) and Blake J. Evans. Directed by: Dan Carracino and Kevin Hanlon.
j7153
I love this film, but my view is skewed. The emotional link for those of us in recovery is deep, and the effect of watching it reminded me of visiting Akron for AA "Founder's Day"; not unlike a pilgrimage. The footage and photos I've never seen before of these historical figures were riveting. The music, stunning. The whole thing was well thought out, sequenced, and presented, and gave me a few surprises. The dramatized segments were effective, with excellently done costumes, hair, sets, and lighting. I am, however, a stickler for continuity and was disappointed (like nails on a chalkboard disappointed) in the wrong decade chairs used for the banquet meetings, not to mention the plastic name tag holders that weren't in common usage back then. That's my only beef with this otherwise well presented piece. I laughed and I cried. Thanks so much for this important work.
