SummaryBill W. tells the story of William G. Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, a man included in TIME Magazine's "100 Persons of the 20th Century." Interviews, recreations, and rare archival material reveal how Bill Wilson, a hopeless drunk near death from his alcoholism, found a way out of his own addiction and then forged a path for countles... Read More
Directed By:Dan Carracino, Kevin Hanlon
Written By:Dan Carracino, Patrick Gambuti Jr., Kevin Hanlon
Bill W.
Metascore
Generally Favorable
69
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Available after 4 ratings
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
69
90% Positive
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
10% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Jun 7, 2012
80
As the filmmakers trace the troubles of his later life -- psychological, financial, marital -- they flesh out a portrait of a reluctant guru whose human imperfections make him all the more inspiring.
May 16, 2012
80
Showing deep appreciation for Wilson's influence, as well as for the obscurity in which he spent his career in the spiritual-rescue business, the helmers employ a motherlode of photographs, diary entries, correspondence and recorded speeches to tell a sensational story that many will think they know, but don't.
May 15, 2012
80
A loving, exhaustive, warts-and-all look at the man who spent years battling his own alcoholism before a spiritual experience in the hospital set him on the course to help others.
Aug 2, 2012
75
Bill W., an admirable, illuminating film about the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, is pretty much like the man himself: solid, sometimes flawed and seriously unflashy.
Aug 1, 2012
75
A key part of AA was anonymity: "Who you see here, what you say here, let it stay here." Bill Wilson himself was not anonymous - that horse was already out of the barn - and his fame was such that Time magazine named him as one of the 100 most influential men of the century. Told he should be on a postage stamp, he said: "They'd have to show the back of my head."
Jun 1, 2012
70
Names and events are ticked off in rapid succession, and the big, and fascinating, question of what role spirituality played receives cautious attention at best. Nonetheless, Bill W. offers a trove of information for non-A.A. members through the life of a man whose dedication has helped others understand their own.
Jul 25, 2012
30
Despite the filmmakers' efforts to humanize Wilson, however, Bill W. still dabbles in hagiography, valorizing the man while also painting him as a reluctant hero.
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Aug 16, 2012
9
Viewers will find the film both provocative and inspiring presenting Wilson as a flawed human and a visionary. It includes a great deal of Wilson\'s letters, film clips and audio recordings which allow the viewer to make their own interpretation of the man and his achievements. When the subject of a documentary is a man who has made such personal sacrifices and noble contributions, it is difficult to ignore his iconic image, but the film shows a man who admittedly never escaped all his demons and was haunted by doubts and depression all his **** some this will diminish his status, to others it will enhance his legacy.
May 21, 2012
9
What could have been a dull biography of Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous is brought to life through rare photos, archival footage, dramatic recreations and thoughtful interviews. The documentary is particularly clever in its use of interviews with recovering alcoholics. The interviews help you get a better understanding of not only Wilson, but the struggles of alcoholics in general. The film also does a good job in addressing the issues faced by any growing organization. Documentary buffs and fans of character driven stories should seriously consider giving this film a look.
Production Company:
- Page 124 Productions
Release Date:May 18, 2012
Duration:1 h 44 m
Tagline:Where do we aim what we thirst for?
Website:
