9) Don Birman (The Lost Weekend)
When thinking about iconic cinematic drinkers, Ray Milland’s performance as alcoholic writer Don Birnam comes to mind as a perfect example of the “drunken writer” stereotype. So many times I jest and say “I’m not an alcoholic, I’m just a writer” – but Don Birnam embodies that phrase in every essence. Milland’s liberally saturated performance was engrossing enough to win the Best Actor Oscar in 1945, which turned out to be one of four awards for The Lost Weekend that year – including Best Picture. Based on Charles R. Jackson’s novel, the plight of one destructive writer struck cinematic gold for director Billy Wilder, depicting a few tragic days in the life of a man with an apparent death wish.
Looking at Birnam’s lowest moments, nothing gets worse than trying to pawn a typewriter for booze. Sure, all the physical harm he causes himself adds up, and the emotional damage inflicted on those around him stings even more, but Birnam’s livelihood depends on his usage of words – and typewriters create words. Birnam was fully committed to throwing away his career just for one more drink, one more bottle of whiskey, which would be empty by the end of the night no doubt. Thus is the life of a chronic alcoholic, and such are the devastating choices that addiction drives people to. Unlike some of the other characters mentioned on this list, Birnam doesn’t have a comedic side to cut the mood, embracing the tragedy for a single shot at redemption – but such a view needs to be shown every once and a while.
Too many times we see movies glorify the over-consumption of alcohol, but thankfully The Lost Weekend reminds us of the dangers present with these irresponsible decisions.
