Days of Wine and Roses (1962)

Blake Edwards' 1962 drama, *Days of Wine and Roses*, plunges into the devastating depths of addiction, anchored by searing performances from Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick. The film hauntingly portrays the relationship between public relations man Joe Clay (Lemmon) and secretary Kirsten Arnesen (Remick). Initially a charming romance, their love story spirals into a harrowing nightmare as Joe, an alcoholic, systematically addicts Kirsten to booze so they can share his "passion" together. What begins as a shared indulgence rapidly devolves into a desperate, destructive cycle, showcasing the insidious power of alcoholism to shatter lives and relationships. It's an unflinching, often unbearable depiction of codependency and the struggle for sobriety. While Blake Edwards is perhaps best remembered for his sophisticated comedies like *Breakfast at Tiffany's* and the *Pink Panther* series, *Days of Wine and Roses* stands as a powerful testament to his remarkable versatility as a filmmaker. This unflinching drama demonstrates his mastery of tone and ability to extract profound, raw performances from his actors, particularly Jack Lemmon, who earned an Oscar nomination for his work. Edwards meticulously crafted a bleak, realistic world for Joe and Kirsten, proving he was just as adept at exploring the darkest corners of the human condition as he was at eliciting laughter. Its inclusion on a "Best Blake Edwards Movies" list is crucial, showcasing that his genius extended far beyond glamour and slapstick, into the realm of truly impactful, dramatic storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.