The Sober Companion - In Praise Of Sandra Bullock's Rehab 'Romcom' 28 Days

While it isn't anyone's idea of a great movie, it's funny that this story of a soap star facing up to substance abuse gets so much right about recovery

First things first, there are all sorts of things wrong with 28 Days, Betty Thomas' brave/crass attempt to milk laughs from addiction. Alan Tudyk's over-the-top turn, Dominic West's difficult hair, the fact you can tell the film was made at the turn of the century from looking at a single frame - no, this isn't a picture the AFI will be celebrating any time soon.

All of which said, 28 Days does some things far better than many a more serious picture about the rehab process. Of course, as with any film starring Sandra Bullock, the best thing the movie has going for it is its hugely likeable leading lady. There are also some terrific supporting performances: Viggo Mortensen is particularly good as a troubled baseball star. Able to empathise with the combination of drink, drugs and celebrity that has proved the undoing of Bullock's soap actress, past romcom form would have us believe that it'll only be a matter of time before the two take their friendship to bed. That they don't might disappoint the casual viewer. However, for those of us who've been through rehab, its great to see 28 Days respect the fact that in-patient relationships have no place in recovery.

As for what else Thomas's picture gets wrong and right about rehab will differ depending on one's own experience and expectation of the process. Horse therapy, for example, is available at some establishments, but is by no means par for the (race) course. Similarly, the wonderful send-off Bullock receives from her fellow patients upon completing the programme isn't an industry standard. And as for the more melodramatic aspects of 28 Days, deaths in rehab, like escape attempts, aren't unknown but they're anything but the norm. For the most part, rehab is a place where people get - at least a little - better, and where the less excitement there is, the better things are for everybody.

There is, however, one element of 28 Days that rings so true with this viewer, it was no surprise to learn that Bullock, Thomas and screenwriter Susannah Grant spent significant time in clinics ahead of filming. That Bullock's councillor Cornell is himself in recovery is bound to cause a a few brows to become furrowed. 'How', one might ask, 'can someone in the grip of addiction possibly help those with the same problem?' The truth of the matter is - in the opinion of this writer, at least - people in recovery are the best qualified to help those attending rehab.

Besides acute understanding, a recovering recovery therapist like Cornell (played by the ever-excellent Steve Buscemi) isn't in any position to judge. He offers no frowns or disapproving looks - an abundance of honesty is what he has to share. And while the impact he has on Bullock's Gwen Cummings is profound, it's their farewell that really hits home. For Cornell is absent from Gwen's giddy guard of honour. Rather he stands at the window of his office, a smile and a brief wave his understated way of saying goodbye.

It's not the sort of epic parting one might expect from Hollywood but it's the sort you need ahead of your return to the real world; a reminder that, for all the honesty and empathy, a therapist can't be your friend.

With this muted finale, Thomas's film officially leaves the realm of romcom, adding a near-complete lack of romance to its shortfall of funny. Still, in dispelling some of the myths surrounding addiction and accurately portraying certain aspects of the recovery process, 28 Days becomes something rather more significant. For if you're looking for a credible cinematic sober companion, it's worth checking in with 28 Days.