7) Ben Sanderson (Leaving Las Vegas)
Everyone knows that Nicholas Cage has an Oscar, right? Yeah, I know, the dude from Vampire’s Kiss and The Wicker Man has a golden statue sitting on a mantle somewhere (if it hasn’t been pawned for money yet) validating his acting prowess – and of course, it’s for playing a drunk. Well, to be specific, yet another drunken writer is making our list, but this time with incredibly dire consequences. After losing his family and job, former screenwriter Ben Sanderson decides he’ll move to Las Vegas and drink himself to death – you know, go out with a bang. It’s here where he falls in love with a prostitute played by Elisabeth Shue, breaks some tables, and drinks enough booze to put down 90s Robert Downey Jr.
Ben Sanderson lets alcohol consume his entire live and cost him everything, but instead of seeking redemption, he finds solace in his drinking and decides to go out in a blaze of glory. Ben could seek help, get his life back on track, and put the booze behind him, but instead figures it better just to drink himself to death, going out doing what he loves. Cage’s portrayal of such a broken man truly is Oscar worthy though, and Ben’s trip deeper down the rabbit hole gets to the sickest, most twisted moments of alcoholism – the realization that you’d rather be dead than sober.
Some alcoholics seek help while others ignore it – but would you rather be bored and alive, or drunk and dead?
Published: Apr 20, 2014 10:03 pm