MovieChat Forums > My Name Is Bill W. (1989) Discussion > Program Films

Program Films

posted 20 years ago by DaeganFhar
11 replies | jump to latest

I knew there was "Hi my name is Joe", which I'm yet to see, but I didn't know about this one.

I find it intriguing that it seems more and more films are coming out (at least in the western world) that deal with spirituality, and that are on the topic of the program -- Cast Away (BIG TIME metaphor for the program/recovery), Fight Club (believe it or not).

I see a few other films listed here at IMDB.com having put in a search of "Hi my name is" -- I'll have to see what those read too. I'm be curious to see if I could get my hands on this one though (since it was a made for TV flick). Are there any other program-based films that you know of?

Thanks,
Daegan F.

[–] myginger 19 years ago

If you are looking for copy of My Name is Bill W. I have a copy for sale. Email at [email protected].

[–] vpoholek 19 years ago

I would say that "What Dreams May Come" and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" are allegorical for the AA journey, and basically, man's need to take responsibility for his actions, and stop his destructive behaviors. If you've never seen "What Dreams May Come", it's worth a view. I believe that the suicide is an analogy to an alcoholic who nevers takes the responsibility, ultimately ending theier positive life, and placing them and their loved ones in hell.

As for "My Name is Joe", it is currently available on ebay, item # 6404318168.
There are several copies listed, at http://search-desc.ebay.com/my-name-is-joe_DVDs-Movies_W0QQampq3bsspagenameZhQ3ahQ3aadvsearchQ3aUSQQcatrefZC12QQfclZ3QQfromZR6QQfrppZ50QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQftsZ2QQsacatZ11232QQsacurZ0QQsaslopZ1QQsatitleZQ22myQ20nameQ20isQ20joeQ22

Good luck. And remember, it works if you work it.

[–] dr-ghettoblaster 18 years ago

You wanna see two POWERFULL films about alcoholism?

THE DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES (1962)
(this one blew my mind - they even go into AA and recovery)

THE LOST WEEKEND (1945)
(VERY good as well - though not as good as the above film in my opinion)

I'm telling you, if you can relate to the disease, these are MUST SEE films!!!

-Anonymous Alcoholic

[–] mortargrind 18 years ago

Well, there is one with Michael Madsen called Against All Hope, I remember it having to do with alcoholism but I'm not entirely sure if AA is a part of the movie.

My name is Bill W is actually a much better movie though, against all hope is kind of boring while My name is bill w kept me enthralled, I thought James woods perfomance was incredible.

[–] redgalaxy6 18 years ago

Don't forget Clean & Sober with Michael Keaton, great flick about recovery.

[–] sosantney 16 years ago

When you said the movie Fight Club is about the concept of recovery, that's what I thought from the first time I saw it. Basically, we can't begin to live to we hit our bottom. Take away all the material things that comfort us and see life right in the face

[–] 16 years ago

[deleted]

[–] denise1234 8 years ago

I think 'Clean and Sober' is a great film.

I also like 'Shattered Spirits' ~ Martin Sheen was excellent in that one.

And 'Drunks' is an interesting movie as well.

"She was possessed by a very simple idea that changed everything. That our world wasn't real."

[–] lfjeff63 8 years ago

Flight with Denzel Washington

Based on a true story. I don't think the real pilot flew the plane upside down, but he did make national news for a while and even late night comics made fun of his case.

[–] CasseroleWorshipper 8 years ago

Smashed with Mary Elizabeth Winstead focuses on AA quite a bit.

[–] denise1234 8 years ago

I just saw 'Smashed' a few months ago.

Good little film ~

"She was possessed by a very simple idea that changed everything. That our world wasn't real."