Sometimes I come across movies that might seem like no-brainers on a cocktail blog, yet I have absolutely no desire to watch them with a drink. These are the depressing movies about drinking, ones that show the dark side. It can’t all be good times and noodle salad- sometimes it’s jaundice, violent arguments and vehicular homicide. These are my Top Five movies that make me want to put down the drink and go to rehab, because somebody has to.
Image credit Leaving Las Vegas, 1995
This is the granddaddy of all depressing alcoholic films. One more look at pale, ashen, sweaty Nicholas Cage and I’m ready to give up drinking forever.
Image credit The Lost Weekend, 1945
For me, the campy, melodramatic music steals some of the gravitas from the film, but Ray Milland is still heartbreaking. Have I had my own Lost Weekend? Would I remember if I had?
3. Flight
Image credit Flight, 2012
This is one of those movies where I just want to shake the TV and tell Denzel Washington to straighten up and get his act together. Kudos to the filmmakers for making the mini-bar the most dangerous villain I’ve seen in a long time.
4. Pollock
Image credit Pollock, 2000
Sure the art was incredible, but the man was insufferable (at least in this film). I almost rejoiced at him getting in that car at the end.
5. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Image credit Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, 1966
My only hope is that after the movie ends, George and Martha check into separate rehab centers, across the country from one another. Or across an ocean. Anything to STOP THE BICKERING!!!!
Cinema Sips 