Billy Bob Thornton's character in Bad Santa, Willie Soke, is known for his excessive drinking habits. Throughout the film, he can be seen consuming a variety of alcoholic beverages to maintain his persona as a drunken, miserable Santa Claus.
In an interview, Thornton revealed that he went to great lengths to accurately portray Willie's drinking habits. He explained that he took a method acting approach and decided to get blind drunk to ensure authenticity in his performance. Now, as an expert sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on the specific drinks that Billy Bob Thornton's character consumes in Bad Santa.
Thornton mentioned that he started his day with three glasses of red wine for breakfast. While he didn't specify the exact type of red wine, it is safe to assume that it was a full-bodied and robust variety to match Willie's rough character. The choice of red wine for breakfast might seem unusual, but it adds to the overall depiction of Willie's reckless and self-destructive behavior.
As the day progresses, Willie switches over to vodka and cranberry juice. Vodka, being a neutral spirit, allows Willie to consume larger quantities without the strong flavors overpowering his taste buds. Mixing it with cranberry juice adds a touch of sweetness and balances out the harshness of the vodka, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy fruity cocktails.
In addition to vodka and cranberry juice, Willie also indulges in a few Bud Lights. Bud Light is a popular American light lager known for its crisp and refreshing taste. It is a lower-alcohol beer, which may seem contradictory to Willie's heavy drinking, but it adds variety and showcases his willingness to consume any alcohol within reach.
It is worth noting that Willie's drink choices in Bad Santa are not meant to be sophisticated or refined. Instead, they reflect his character's downward spiral and disregard for his own well-being. Thornton's dedication to method acting and his willingness to get drunk for the role highlights his commitment to portraying Willie as realistically as possible.
Throughout Bad Santa, Billy Bob Thornton's character, Willie Soke, can be seen consuming a range of alcoholic beverages. From red wine for breakfast to vodka and cranberry juice, and even a few Bud Lights, these choices reflect Willie's reckless and self-destructive behavior. Thornton's method acting approach adds an extra layer of authenticity to his portrayal of a drunken, miserable Santa Claus.