'My Name Is Bill W.' is a genuinely affecting, sincere Biopic on a man who fought himself & gave something so real to the society. Yes, The Late/Great William Griffith "Bill W." Wilson wasn't an ordinary man & nor was his story & that's exactly why this biopic merits itself a watch. 'My Name Is Bill W.' is 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, only to become the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous years later. 'My Name Is Bill W.' wouldn't have been the same film, without James Woods & JoBeth Williams. Woods, undoubtedly one of the greatest actors in motion-picture history (if not the greatest), delivers a powerhouse performance as Bill W. He's unlikable, hard to sympathize with initially, but your heart breaks when he throws away the bottles & starts to offer help to fellow alcoholics. Woods is a force here. Williams as his long-suffering wife, The Late/Great Lois 'Lo' Wilson, matches up-to him at all times & is sensational. You heart goes out to her as she struggles with her husband's addiction & later, with his priorities taking over a relationship. Woods's performance earned him a well-deserved Emmy & Williams (though strangely not so recognized), are at the top of their games. Offering them great support is the Late/Great James Garner, who's flawless in brief role. Gary Sinise, too, shines in a supporting role.Directed Sharply by the Late/Great Daniel Petrie & Written Sincerely by William G. Borchert, 'My Name Is Bill W.' is something you should watch.

Full disclosure: I am not an alcoholic (I drink less than a six-pack a year), but someone I'm close to, has been sober in AA for many years. It has frustrated me intensely that I have not been able to understand this part of her life.Now I have a much better idea.I found the movie to be honest. Sometimes Bill Wilson is a hero, sometimes he's a jerk, and sometimes he's a disgusting, drunken bum. In one AA scene, one of the men at the meeting acts sober, but he has the shabby clothes of a wino (which told me that he was very new into the program), and I remember being surprised that nobody making the movie tried to "glamorize" his wardrobe. And the first time that Bill Wilson meets "Dr. Bob," it's pretty obvious that the good doctor is suffering from a hangover! Also, Bill's friend Ebby, who actually leads Bill to sobriety, falls off the wagon and lies about it, in a heartbreaking scene. Like I said, this movie is honest.

This movie carries a great message, and I was deeply touched by the story of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. It's an important historic treasure being preserved in a true and respectful film. The story is straightforward and strong and gives and honest impression of the pioneers of AA. Let this movie carry the message too.. There is a solution.. ;-) If you liked this one - watch "Pay it forward" - a wonderful movie with a similar theme.

This is an Excellent movie showing how AA started and how it works. It Shows non AA people how the program works. The two actors who played Bill and Bob are very believable as recovering alcoholics too. I wish everyone would watch this movie so they could see how the program works and so they would understand why people want to go to meetings the rest of their lives.