Days of Wine and Roses
Days of Wine and Roses

Movie spotlight

Days of Wine and Roses

1963
Movie
117 min
English

An alcoholic falls in love with and gets married to a young woman, whom he systematically addicts to booze so they can share his "passion" together.

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic78/100
Google Users91%
Director: Blake EdwardsGenres: Drama, Film Noir

Plot Summary

The film chronicles the destructive relationship of a married couple, Joe Clay and Kirsten Arnesen, as they descend into alcoholism. Joe, a public relations executive, introduces the artistic and sensitive Kirsten to drinking, which initially seems to enhance their lives. However, their indulgence soon spirals into a devastating addiction, impacting their careers, their home, and their sanity, leading to Joe's increasing desperation to quit and Kirsten's inability to do the same.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Days of Wine and Roses' was critically acclaimed for its unflinching portrayal of alcoholism and its devastating effects on individuals and relationships. Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick received widespread praise for their powerful and raw performances. The film is often cited as one of the most realistic and harrowing depictions of addiction in cinema, earning it a respected place in film history.

What Reviewers Say

  • A gut-wrenching and deeply affecting look at the ravages of alcoholism.

  • Lemmon and Remick deliver career-defining, raw performances that are both heartbreaking and unforgettable.

  • Blake Edwards directs with a stark realism that avoids melodrama, making the descent into addiction feel terrifyingly authentic.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's powerful and realistic depiction of addiction, with many commending the incredible performances of Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick. Viewers often express how moving and difficult the film is to watch due to its unflinching portrayal of the struggles of alcoholism.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actor (Jack Lemmon), Best Actress (Lee Remick), Best Director (Blake Edwards), Best Original Score, and Best Original Song. Won one Golden Globe for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (Jack Lemmon).

Fun Fact

Henry Mancini's iconic and melancholic theme song, 'Days of Wine and Roses,' won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became a jazz standard, despite the film's bleak subject matter.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

What a departure for Jack Lemmon this is! Together with the also Oscar nominated Lee Remick, they offer us a really gripping performance. She ("Kirsten") is a tea-total secretary who is introduced to one of the PR guys "Joe" at a boat party...

barrymost

barrymost

This is an intriguing, heavy drama about the downward spiral into alcoholism, and how it irrevocably tore apart the lives of one man and his wife. I have some respect for Blake Edwards, having seen this, as I previously had a low opinion o...

John Chard

John Chard

It's as true to life as a vodka martini. The above quote is from director Blake Edwards, it's taken from the highly recommended commentary track he provides on the DVD for this excellent and compelling piece of work. Joe is a social d...