Clean and Sober

Starring: Michael Keaton, Kathy Baker, Morgan Freeman, Tate Donovan
Directed by: Glenn Gordon Caron
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
1988

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: An alcoholic and drug addict (Michael Keaton) in denial about his problem checks himself into a drug rehabilitation clinic because it is the perfect way for him to hide out from police wanting him for questioning in death of a woman who OD-ed in his bed. In the clinic, he begins to face his own problems.

Review:

Tim: After proving he could succeed in comedies, Michael Keaton was ready to try his chops at a serious drama. Keaton is actually pretty remarkable here. The role is not glamorous in the least, and he plugs on ahead with a full range of emotions. There are a few truly powerful moments, and here, Keaton is at his best.

The film suffers for a number of reasons. First, Keaton's journey through detox seems remarkably mild and the film misses an opportunity to really show some physical torment. Secondly, Keaton's borderline obsession with Tate Donovan doesn't exactly make for interesting watching, although its resolution is somewhat inspired.

The film tries to do too much. Keaton's financial trouble is never fully explained and seesm like more of a distraction than a key plot point. The film doesn't capitalize on a number of opportunities to really show what an addict goes through. The movie makes some attempts (the call to Keaton's parents), but never really succeeds.

This is sad, because an incredible performance by Keaton is wasted on an incomplete and oftentimes boring film that squandered what it could have been.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Requiem for a Dream, Beetlejuice, Much Ado About Nothing, Batman