Days of Wine and Roses
Days of Wine and Roses

Days of Wine and Roses

1958Movie80 minEnglish

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.

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IMDb8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Google Users92%
Director: Blake EdwardsGenres: Drama, Film Noir

Plot Summary

An aspiring advertising man, Joe Clay, meets and falls in love with Kirsten Arnesen, the secretary of his boss. Their relationship deepens, but Joe has a secret: he drinks heavily. As their marriage progresses, Joe introduces Kirsten to alcohol, and their lives spiral into alcoholism. The film chronicles their struggle with addiction, the toll it takes on their relationship and careers, and their attempts to achieve sobriety.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Days of Wine and Roses' was widely praised for its unflinching and realistic portrayal of alcoholism. Critics lauded the performances of Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick, the sensitive direction by Blake Edwards, and the film's powerful social commentary. It resonated with audiences for its raw depiction of a devastating disease and remains a significant work in the portrayal of addiction in cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its raw and honest depiction of alcoholism.
  • Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick deliver tour-de-force performances.
  • Blake Edwards' sensitive direction avoids melodrama, focusing on the human cost of addiction.

Google audience: Audiences found the film to be a powerful and moving examination of addiction, with many commending the performances and the film's realistic and emotional impact. Some noted its intensity but acknowledged its importance and effectiveness.

Awards & Accolades

Jack Lemmon was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor, and the film received nominations for Best Original Song ('Days of Wine and Roses') and Best Costume Design. It also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for Jack Lemmon.

Fun Fact

While Henry Mancini composed the iconic theme song, it was Johnny Mercer who wrote the lyrics, and their collaboration earned them an Academy Award nomination. The song became a popular standard, tragically underscoring the film's somber theme.

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