Drama

Clean and Sober

Warner Bros. Pictures

Imagine Entertainment

United States of America

English

Michael Keaton

Kathy Baker

Morgan Freeman

Tate Donovan

Henry Judd Baker

Claudia Christian

J. David Krassner

Dakin Matthews

Mary Catherine Martin

Patricia Quinn

Pamela Dunlap

Terri Hanauer

David A. Kimball

Veronica Redd

Sharie Doolittle

Sharon Medearis

M. Emmet Walsh

Brian Benben

Rachel Ryan

Glenn Gordon Caron

Tod Carroll

Chris Howell

Freddie Hice

Tony Ganz

Deborah Blum

Jan Kiesser

Richard Chew

Joel Schiller

Donald J. Remacle

Robert Turturice

Kathy Wickline

Marion Dougherty

Glenn Daniels

Ron Howard

Jay Daniel

Eric W. Orbom

Dave

Michael Keaton tries his hand in a dramatic portrayal of an alcoholic, drug addicted stock broker who finds refuge in a treatment program - but not for it's intended purpose.  He slowly begins to realize that be may be there for a reason, but the arrogant nature of his personality is always at conflict.  As someone with long term sobriety, I always tell people that this is close to the real thing that Hollywood has to offer.  Nobody is a model citizen in this world, most are flawed, lonely, angry characters, however there is some redemption in the masses.  Strong supporting roles including M. Emmet Walsh, Kathy Bates and a young Morgan Freeman.  Worth a look if you can find it.

Peter McGinn

Michael Keaton puts in a great dramatic performance in this movie, at a time when his star was definitely rising. This movie was released the same year as Beetlejuice, and the year before Batman. Kathy Bates also excels as Charlie.

Keaton’s Money manager character Daryl has gamed the system to steal client funds, and even as his drug addiction careens towards bottom, he uses a private rehab center as a shield against being found by the authorities. As he becomes involved with Bates’ character Charlie, who he meets while in rehab, he begins to take his sobriety seriously, perhaps more so than his new girlfriend does herself. There are touches of humor and Daryl’s charm to break up the more serious moments. At one point Daryl encourages her to use a script to talk to her previous boyfriend on the phone. She gives it a try, she shows Daryl the sheet and repeats the ugly profane response she receives, telling him she doesn’t see that on there as a possible response.

The movie builds up to a short speech by Daryl that is heartfelt and powerful. The details are brutal at time, and probably therefore accurate, and well worth watching. It carries a message with it, but isn’t merely a message movie. Back when it came out and moved to HBO and DVD, I watched it multiple times. It might be time to watch it again.

Clean and Sober (1988) Official Trailer - Michael Keaton, Kathy Baker Movie HD

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Clean and Sober

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Cast

Michael Keaton

Kathy Baker

Morgan Freeman

Tate Donovan

Henry Judd Baker

Claudia Christian

J. David Krassner

Dakin Matthews

Mary Catherine Martin

Patricia Quinn

Box office

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