Manipulation is the name of the game when you're an addict, and The Lost Weekend's Don Birnam can play with the best of them. He easily manipulates his girlfriend Helen, who puts his wellbeing above her own. He deftly controls his brother Wick, who provides him with an apartment and even an allowance. He even plays the nice young lady who has a crush on him like a fiddle.
In this way, The Lost Weekend functions as a portrait an addict: a portrait of someone who'd do anything as long as it leads to the next fix.
Questions about Manipulation
- What techniques does Don use to manipulate Wick?
- How does Don react when his manipulations fail?
- Is Don intentionally manipulating others? Why or why not?
- Is Don good at manipulation?
Chew on This
Take a peek at these thesis statements. Agree or disagree?
When dealing with Wick, Don primarily uses feelings of guilt to control his brother's actions.
As people start turning against him, leading his manipulations to fail, Don turns to something far worse: intimidation.