Review of Clean and Sober (1988) by Thomas D — 29 Aug 2010
We have all probably seen at least one of Michael Keaton's colorful character roles throughout the 80's and 90's. There is 'Batman', 'Beetlejuice', etc. Well I always heard about 'Clean and Sober' since I was in the court systems.
It is one of their leading movies for representation of abstinence from drugs and alcohol. It is almost a teaching tool as we watch Michael Keaton who plays Daryl, a former real estate agent who becomes addicted to cocaine and alcohol which shortly begins taking its toll on his life and close relations.
After withdrawing thousands of credited dollars from a company account for drugs, Daryl's life starts to enter into a downward spiral. He soon finds that his only option for salvation is to enter himself into a rehabilitation program to help him sober up.
The program, led by Morgan Freeman isn't the easiest program. As a matter of fact, it is absolute hell for the recovering addict. He soon becomes submerged in a life of group therapy sessions and AA meetings where he meets a woman who he becomes emotionally attached to.
He also meets his sponsor Richard (M. Emmet Walsh) who becomes devoted to helping Daryl overcome his inner demons. I happened to relate to the film very closely as I went through the same sort of challenges that Daryl had to face when entered into rehab.
The movie should still prove be be impacting to people that don't exactly relate also. Keaton's acting as an addict is very thorough and piercing. His emotional stress varies and at times he is unpredictable.
The supporting cast was great, the directing was very organized and solid and the editing and story matched up and kept a very enthralling and satisfying story. It is very entertaining and an overall learning experience watching Keaton overcome his challenges and fall victim to thoughts of relapse.
A movie that will make you think about life and maybe even help make the right decisions to lead the best, healthy life possible and not stray down the wrong path. Clean and Sober is one of Keaton's undisputed best roles as it excels in many great areas of realism and human struggle.
It reminded me a lot of the movie 'My Name is Bill W.' a rough biography film about Bill W. the founder of Alcoholic's Anonymous. 4.0 starz.
This review of Clean and Sober (1988) was written by Thomas D on 29 Aug 2010.
Clean and Sober has generally received positive reviews.
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