Review of Clean and Sober (1988) by Andy F — 23 Jan 2005

I got to thinking about the vanishing act Michael Keaton pulled on audiences over the last few years only to return in something that looks so bad it doesn't deserve my time or money, [i]White Noise[/i]. I think he was at one point one of the best actors working and really hit his high point in the film that is my newest edition in the "underrated movies" selections, [i]Clean and Sober[/i].

As the obsessive alcoholic and drug addict Daryl Poynter who enters in and out of rehabilitation facilities, Keaton gives one of the most impressive and kinetic performances I've ever seen. Glenn Gordon Caron directed this film that was released in 1988 that also features Morgan Freeman, M. Emmett Walsh, and Kathy Baker as another recovering alcoholic that becomes a much needed companion to Poynter. The screenplay is very well written by Tod Carroll, and his words are made even more powerful and convincing as they come out of Keaton's determined mouth.

That Keaton didn't win the Oscar is a big reason why this film is labeled underappreciated in my opinion. The amazing thing about this film is that it doesn't try to heave all of the responsibility and depend on a strong performance by Keaton to carry the film. Everything about it is perfect, but even if it wasn't the film would still achieve success simply for this stunning portrayal. For this one performance alone Michael Keaton will forever be forgiven for all of the mediocrity he continues to do. With great performances in [i]The Paper, Jackie Brown, [/i]and [i]Out of Sight[/i], he has proven he can deliver. I just hope he starts to get back on track. If he doesn't I won't think any less of him though. [i]Clean and Sober [/i]is one of the greatest and most powerful movies I've ever seen highlighted by an unforgettable Keaton performance that you cannot stop watching.