MovieChat Forums > The Lost Weekend Discussion > You think he'll stop drinking?

You think he'll stop drinking?

posted 12 years ago by sth78
4 replies | jump to latest

I was just wondering what you people out there make from the ending. Where he seems so light and optimistic about starting a career as a writer.

Granted, he had some shocking experiences, like the hospitalization, the mouse and bat scene, and the fact that he really robbed the liquor store by threatening the owner. These should scare him in the future.

But personally, I see a lot more benders coming up in Don Birnam's future. Him being a writer does not mean that he will become a successful one (only a little percentage does), and that alone could make him start drinking again.

What do you people think? Are his drinking days finally over?

[–] danzeisen 12 years ago

The initial decision to stop took courage. But an alcoholic learns they have to say no on a day by day basis. After all, it usually is the little things that get to us. In my mind I hope he joins an AA group, is open, confesses his weakness and rebuilds his life. But if he deals with his addiction there are a dozen others like him who need to.

[–] asgard-5 12 years ago

That girl of his is a gift from heaven, she'd make sure the book gets done, maybe even do all the typing. I knew people whose story was very similar to this minus the writing aspect and a happy ending. But with the writing in mind I think alcoholism in this movie is more of a metaphor for procrastination.

[–] Charlot47 11 years ago

I suppose the love of a good woman has redeemed sad cases in real life as well as in fiction. And, yes, the story is meant to give hope to drinkers and those who love them. But, like you, I wonder if the writer’s trade is a good road to recovery and if, after over ten years of inactivity, Don will find the strength to cope with its frustrations.

[–] first-things-first 11 years ago

You are right. If successful, he could still drink. The difference being he could afford it. Some addictions have triggers that can be successfully removed, but I don't think success is one of them for this character. His relationship with his brother is mentioned to indicate some competition. Drinking could be an escape for something else. His fantasy of what a good life is.

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