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My Name Is Bill W.

Name: My Name Is Bill W.
Director: Daniel Petrie
Released: 1989
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

1.9/10

Minimal

1989

Not Rated

Director

Daniel Petrie

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This biographical drama prioritizes historical accuracy and the reinforcement of established social and spiritual norms. It celebrates the restoration of individuals to traditional roles such as husband and professional through a structured, faith-based framework. While the film offers a nuanced look at addiction as a chronic condition, it lacks multi-layered complexity. The narrative structure reinforces traditional masculine leadership and capitalist structures without challenging them. Ultimately, the film functions as a period piece that mirrors the historical homogeneity of its setting, offering little subversion of traditional social hierarchies.

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Category Breakdown

Does My Name Is Bill W. have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses entirely on heterosexual and cisgender relationships, with no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer narratives. Non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities are not present in the central plot.

How does My Name Is Bill W. portray gender?

Limited

Narrative ability to act is concentrated almost exclusively among male characters. Women are relegated to traditional domestic roles, serving as secondary emotional anchors for the male protagonists.

How racially and ethnically diverse is My Name Is Bill W.?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, reflecting the historical demographics of the early AA movement. The story lacks depth regarding race or ethnicity.

How does My Name Is Bill W. represent religion and culture?

Minimal

Thematic elements are rooted in traditional Western institutions and spiritual recovery. The narrative emphasizes social reintegration and adherence to conventional religious or spiritual frameworks.

Does My Name Is Bill W. include disability representation?

Fair

The film treats alcoholism as a chronic condition with significant psychological and physical realities. Characters navigate their recovery with ability to act, rather than being portrayed as caricatures.

Present on Screen

Provides a nuanced, non-mocking depiction of alcoholism as a complex chronic condition.
Characters have significant control and ability to act in navigating the psychological realities of recovery.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, reflecting a very narrow historical demographic.
Reinforces traditional gender hierarchies by centering men's control over the story and domesticating women.
Provides no representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth narratives.

Official Synopsis

Based on the true story of Bill W. (James Woods), a successful stock broker whose life falls apart after the stock crash of the 20's and how he comes to grips with his alcoholism. Along with a fellow alcoholic (James Garner) he forms a support group that would eventually become Alcoholics Anonymous.

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