A documentary about women's alcoholism chronicles the progression of the disease in Bette VandenAkker-a nurse, wife, and mother-who died in the fall of 2007. Filmmakers Sherri ...
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Title: My Name Was Bette: The Life and Death of an Alcoholic (2011)
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A documentary about women's alcoholism chronicles the progression of the disease in Bette VandenAkker-a nurse, wife, and mother-who died in the fall of 2007. Filmmakers Sherri VandenAkker-Bette's daughter-and Josh WE Hays employ interviews, family photographs, medical records, and court documents to provide a personal and detailed look at the physical, emotional, and mental toll of alcoholism. The film examines women's risk factors for developing alcoholism and relapsing from sobriety; depicts the physiological damage women suffer from drinking, due in part to their hormones; and explores the stigma, guilt and shame the prevent women from seeking timely treatment. The film also offers hope to those affected by the disease who seek to heal their pain and strained relationships. Written by Anonymous
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"Best Feature Documentary: Honorable Mention" at the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival, Boston, MA (2012). See more »Frequently Asked Questions
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Country:
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EnglishRelease Date:
23 March 2011 (USA) See more »Edit
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$10,750 (estimated)Company Credits
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I found this documentary on a list of the best documentaries to watch on Amazon Prime. I'm pretty sure the list just went by IMDB rating. I would not include this on the top list. This is more of a tribute to the filmmaker's mom than a real documentary. There are some facts and figures, including a list of health ailments that can affect alcoholics. However, most of them were focused on the difference between men and women. Since I am a man, the figures solely comparing men and women didn't really do anything for me. I guess trying to make a documentary after your mother has passed away leaves you with very little material to go on besides interviewing a couple of family members and friends, and posting the same few pictures from the family photo album.
I found this a touching tribute to someone's mom, and probably better than I could have done, but by no means one of the top documentaries regarding alcoholism. Since Bette smoked for 40 years of her life and used a lot of pills, I would find that just as impactful as the alcohol.