clean and sober movie review

Clean and Sober

It’s the kind of thing that could happen to anybody. Just plain rotten luck, really. He picks up a woman in a bar, and they do some cocaine together, and the next morning when he wakes up, she’s dead.

She had a heart attack or something. How was it his fault? What happens to the hero of “Clean and Sober” during the next several weeks of his life is that he decides that although it could have happened to anyone, he doesn’t want it to happen to him anymore.

The guy is named Daryl Poynter, and he is played by Michael Keaton with a kind of wound-up, edgy tension that is just right for the character. He’s a hotshot Philadelphia real-estate salesman, but by the time the movie opens, there is nothing in his life of any importance, really, but cocaine. He doesn’t even question the fact. It’s not that he needs cocaine to function – because he doesn’t function, really; he just goes through the motions – but that he needs cocaine to still himself from the savage, restless angers of his need for the drug.

It doesn’t go over very well that the woman woke up dead in his bed. The police are interested. Although it was her “fault” (“I didn’t give her cocaine, she gave me cocaine,” he argues), the victim’s father plasters Poynter’s neighborhood with posters branding him as a murderer. At work, things are not too good, either, because he has borrowed $92,000 from an escrow account and invested it in the market, hoping to make a lot of money, and he has lost most of the money instead.

So he needs a place to hide out, and when he hears on the radio about a confidential, anonymous drug-rehabilitation program, he figures that might be a good place to disappear into. What he doesn’t count on is that the program is run by a hard-headed counselor ( Morgan Freeman ) who has heard everybody’s story before, and sees right through him.

“Clean and Sober” is the story of how the Keaton character is forced to look at the fact that his life is wildly out of control, and that cocaine addiction is the cause, not the solution. He fights this discovery every step of the way, and is far from being a model client in the rehab center. He calls friends and asks them to send him cocaine in overnight Federal Express packages; he slips out of the center on wild, undefined missions, and of course, he thinks he’s God’s gift to women – especially to one of his cute fellow patients.

She’s played by Kathy Baker , as a woman who has two addictions: one to booze, the other one to the man she lives with, who beats her and then comes whining to her for forgiveness, telling her he’s nothing without her. Her self-esteem has been so seriously wounded by her alcoholism that she clings to this relationship, perhaps believing that this loser is the only man who will accept her.

In his first few days in the center, Keaton finds himself at war with Freeman, the counselor. Freeman has met so many, many others just like him, and knows the alibis and evasions, and knows that unless this guy gets serious, he is going to go right back out and get screwed up again. The relationships between the counselor and the patients are at the heart of the movie, which also shows Keaton going to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and trying, on Freeman’s orders, to get himself a “sponsor” – a veteran AA member who will advise and help him. Of course, Keaton goes for the prettiest woman at the meeting, but eventually he winds up with wise, lethargic M. Emmet Walsh, who looks at him quizzically because he knows what a lost cause he could easily be.

“Clean and Sober” is not the story of an ideal recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, because Keaton is not an ideal candidate for recovery. He tells too many lies, especially to himself, and he doesn’t much like to accept advice. He is still somewhat seduced by the notion that he can do some repairs on his old lifestyle, and it will still work. But by the end of the movie there is some hope that he may be able to get straight.

Although the subject matter of this film is commonplace in our society – for every celebrity who checks into the Betty Ford Center, there are thousands of ordinary people who check in somewhere else, or who pick up the phone and call AA. Everybody knows somebody like this.

But the actual process of surrender and recovery is hardly ever the subject of films, maybe because it seems too depressing. One of the strengths Michael Keaton brings to “Clean and Sober” is his wild, tumultuous energy, which makes his character seem less like a victim than like an accident causing itself to happen. Surrounded by superb supporting performances – especially by Baker, who also co-starred with Freeman as the prostitute in “ Street Smart ” – Keaton makes this general story into a particular one, and a touching one.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

• M. Emmet Walsh as Richard Dirks
• Michael Keaton as Daryl Poynter
• Tate Donovan as Donald Towle
• Judd Baker as Xavier Henry
• Kathy Baker as Charlie Standers
• Morgan Freeman as Craig

Produced by

• Deborah Blum
• Gabriel Yared

Directed by

• Glenn Gordon Caron
• Imagine Entertainment

Photographed by

• Jan Kiesser
• Richard Chew
• Tod Carroll

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MOVIE REVIEW : ‘Clean and Sober’ Sharp and True

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“Clean and Sober’s” (citywide) Daryl Poynter is as nasty a piece of work as you could ever hope to avoid. Past master at fast-talking the “fools” around him, he has now moved his focus inward to convince himself of a few crucial untruths: He is controlling his cocaine habit. His drinking is recreational. He will return that $92,000 he borrowed from his firm’s escrow account. And the young woman pillowing his frowzy head this bleary morning is not growing colder by the minute.

The legend about alcoholics is that you have to bottom out before you can find your way up again. But as Michael Keaton’s Daryl downs one last brewski before dodging into a rehab center’s 21-day program, he seems to be the only one who doesn’t realize that his worst hour has already struck.

He’s a physical ruin; his nerves are a jangle of frayed synapses; friendship is a long-exhausted word to his upwardly mobile crowd and--in the case of his young, hospitalized bedmate--the police have asked him not to leave town.

Roughly every 20 years, a film is made that holds the mirror unwaveringly up to the excesses of its day: “The Lost Weekend,” “Days of Wine and Roses” and now “Clean and Sober,” directed by “Moonlighting’s” Glenn Gordon Caron and written by Tod Carroll.

Like the two earlier films, “Clean and Sober” could hardly be called recreational movie-going, but it should be mandatory. And that’s even considering its slippages in story construction. (The film is rated R for blunt language and brief nudity.)

But its characters, particularly Keaton’s self-destructive Daryl and Kathy Baker’s seductive, wavering fellow addict Charlie, are daringly and consummately played. With anyone as scuzzy as Daryl--and to think of a character his equal you probably have to go back to “Sweet Smell of Success”--part of the fascination comes from seeing how deep the fault line runs. Caron and Carroll have managed the almost impossible; there is truly no reading Daryl until the last second of the last scene.

Causeway House, this grungy, caring, tough-as-need-be rehab center somewhere on the outskirts of Philadelphia, is actually Poynter’s own idea, but only because he needs a place to go while things cool down on the outside. Morgan Freeman, as a recovering addict onto every trick in a fellow addict’s repertoire, heads Daryl’s unit, filled with all ages and sexes of patients. (Henry Judd Baker’s raging giant Xavier and Claudia Christian’s yuppie Iris are particularly noteworthy.)

Causeway becomes the common ground between Daryl and steel-mill worker Charlie, who reads him like a $2 clock and barely tolerates him. But Charlie isn’t the greatest judge of men; she’s in her 10th year with dumb, petty hood Lenny (Luca Bercovici), a very bad idea indeed. As the addicts move to outside AA meetings, Daryl crosses paths with Dirks (M. Emmet Walsh, in an especially shining performance), who sizes him up immediately but offers to become his sponsor anyway.

What happens before the 21 days are over is that the movie has split in two. In one smoldering sequence at the graduates’ dance, Charlie’s funny, up-front sexuality captures every shred of the audience’s affection. (They’ve certainly been unable to transfer much of it to Daryl.) From this scene on, we measure every man by whether he’s good for her or not. Lenny is clearly poison, but is Daryl any less lethal? After looking out for No. 1 so attentively for so long, you worry that he even knows there is a No. 2.

If what we have is a love story, it has too long an introduction before both characters are in place. If it’s a cliffhanger about recovering addicts, then it’s slowed down by an unfolding love story.

Actually, “Clean and Sober” is both, awkwardly folded together though its elements may be. And what finally happens is that we fall into the hands of these splendid actors, every last believable one of them, and the power and the veracity of their ensemble makes the slippages a little less noticeable. (Although where in the name of veracity did those police disappear to after the first sequence!?!)

You might wish that director Caron, with his first feature, had trusted himself more at the end, hadn’t fallen back on a round of applause and a battery of “spotlights” for his finish--Keaton certainly doesn’t need them. And you might wish that the questions of class differences, barely alluded to, had been given the weight they needed. More than anything else, they might be the wedge between these two disparate lovers.

Yet there is a momentum here, a quality of risk and an urgency to the story that sweeps almost every quibble away. And if squinting at the characters through an eminently realistic bluish haze of cigarette smoke makes you yearn for Clean and Sober and Smoke Free, well, one day and one addiction at a time may be the best you can hope for.

‘CLEAN AND SOBER’

A Warner Bros. release of an Imagine Entertainment production of a Glenn Gordon Caron film. Producers Tony Ganz, Deborah Blum. Director Caron. Executive producer Ron Howard. Screenplay Tod Carroll. Co-producer Jay Daniel. Camera Jan Kiesser. Editor Richard Chew. Production design Joel Schiller, art direction Eric W. Orbom. Set designer Greg Papalia, set decorator Don Remacle. Costumes Robert Turturice. Sound Ron Judkins. Music Gabriel Yared. With Michael Keaton, Kathy Baker, Morgan Freeman, M. Emmet Walsh, Luca Bercovici, Tate Donovan, Henry Judd Baker, Claudia Christian.

Running time: 2 hours, 4 minutes.

MPAA-rated: R (under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian).

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Clean and Sober Reviews

Keaton sets his comic instincts aside and lets his wit and energy sour into something mean-spirited.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 9, 2024

...benefits from Keatons often spellbinding turn as the impressively unlikable protagonist...

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 27, 2022

Sentimental ending; too much sentiment in general...

Full Review | Sep 13, 2021

Not the least extraordinary thing about Clean and Sober is that it stars popular frenetic comedian Michael Keaton, and it's not only by far the best performance of his career, but will surely be on voters' minds when Oscar time next rolls around.

Full Review | Jan 5, 2018

An intense drama about substance abuse that turns out all too predictable, but is nevertheless powerful.

Full Review | Original Score: B | Apr 17, 2015

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | May 7, 2007

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jun 13, 2005

The film journey into the heart of darkness is tourist class all the way.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5 | Aug 27, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 10, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Jan 29, 2003

It would take at least 6 stiff drinks to make this film entertaining.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5 | Nov 13, 2002

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 26, 2002

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5 | Jul 26, 2002

Keaton's performance (just barely) lifts the movie from its formula stupor.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 26, 2002

One of the strengths Michael Keaton brings to Clean and Sober is his wild, tumultuous energy, which makes his character seem less like a victim than like an accident causing itself to happen.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jan 1, 2000

Full Review | Original Score: +1 out of -4..+4 | Jan 1, 2000

Clean and Sober Review

01 Jan 1988

124 minutes

Clean and Sober

This low-key melodrama from the creator of Moonlighting is a compelling tale of drug addiction and recovery in industrial north-west America. While occasionally lapsing into sentimental triumphalism, for the most part Caron points his camera at human compulsion with a compassionate gaze and is superbly served throughout by Michael Keaton's crazed Daryl Pointer, a real estate salesman hooked on coke.

If Batman barely gave Keaton a chance to shine, his tour de force here has the kind of electric energy that he brought to Beetlejuice, albeit in more conventional surroundings as he man­ages to suggest the loneliness and empti­ness that fuel his addictive personality. Marvellous support is provided both by Kathy Baker's bruised addict Charlie and Morgan Freeman's understated performance as a counsellor. The plot is often contrived, the ending uncertain and Keaton's charismatic performance gives the devil more good tunes than Caron may originally have intended but Clean and Sober remains a searing human story to be cherished.

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Clean and Sober

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• Duration: 124 mins

Cast and crew

• Director: Glenn Gordon Caron
• Screenwriter: Tod Carroll
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Clean and Sober

• A hustling drug addict checks himself into rehabilitation to escape trouble with the law and realizes that it's exactly what he needs.
• Michael Keaton plays Daryl Poynter, a hot shot real estate agent who just happens to have a cocaine and drinking problem. One morning, he wakes up to find a dead woman in his bed (someone he had been partying with the night before) from a cocaine overdose. He also just happens to receive a phone call from his employers telling him a huge sum of money is missing from one of his accounts. Panicking, Daryl decides to check into a drug rehab to hide from the law, where he meets tough cookie Morgan Freeman. A recovering addict himself, he now works as a drug counselor, and knows all the tricks Daryl tries to pull. Soon Daryl discovers he just might be in the right place, after all. — Humberto Amador
• In Philadelphia, brash commercial real estate agent Daryl Poynter, a cocaine addict and alcoholic (although he doesn't believe he has a problem in either of those two aspects), checks himself into a drug rehab center solely to go into hiding from the possible criminal and legal alternatives, most specifically that he has embezzled $92,000 to play the stock market in turn to pay off drug debts, his stocks which have instead lost money, and who was a one-nighter, Karen Peluso, ended up having a heart attack in his bed the result of a drug overdose, the police and her loved ones who may not care that she was the one who supplied the cocaine that night in laying blame. He expects to do the minimum required to stay in the facility as he carries on with what he considers the important aspects of his life, especially with regard to the the escrow account from which he stole the money, his stocks, and Karen's health status, all the while trying to get drugs from his regular suppliers. What he doesn't expect is the tough love of the facility's counselor Craig, who has almost zero tolerance on contravention of any of the facility's and his own policies, and making a true connection to some of his fellow patients, most specifically Charlie Standers. Charlie, a steel mill worker, has her own problems beyond her drug addiction, namely being in an abusive ten year relationship with Lenny, a relationship from which she seems unable to break free. With the help of who ends up being his sponsor Richard Dirks, Daryl may get to a point of truly dealing with his life in an up front manner as opposed to the lying and scheming and schmoozing that has been his modus operandi. — Huggo
• When moderately successful Daryl (Micheal Keaton) wakes from a cocaine/drinking evening to find last night's date a little too passed out, he bundles her up and dumps her at a hospital and drives away. Then we find that he also has bad financial troubles. One wretching scene when he calls his parents very late at night asking for his inheritence now when it will do him some good is very well done. He needs to return stolen money at work before they find out what he's done, plus he needs more cocaine. When he finds the young lady he dumped at the hospital died he commences to find a way to avoid going to jail. He decides to check himself into a chemical dependency program, that way maybe the police won't find him, and if his employers do find him they'll realize he has found the error of his ways and is trying to rectify himself. Though once in rehab he runs head long into Craig (Morgan Freeman) who knows Daryl better than he knows himself. Craig is not at all sympathetic to anything Daryl is feeling or fearing. He knows because he's been there, but Daryl still tries to defy rules that just don't apply to him, he's different, not like those other junkies. He is made to comply or get out, which would mean to jail from both his employer and the death of the girl. Once finally in and part of, Daryl begins to see his part in much of the troubles in his life. He also notices fellow inmate Charlie (Kathy Baker) which is a distraction he does not need right now. Fixating on her gives him a pal to do all this work that needs to be done with, except, Charlie is married. Again I say, the writer has either been there or has really, really watched "there," because the behaviors are true. The lying, the promises, the rationalization, and the pain that takes place in these situations. As usual, it won't get the praise it deserves because for many it hits too close to home. They'll watch it happen to stars in the tabloids but it's happening in our own neighborhoods and schools. Open your eyes people!

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Clean and Sober

April 27, 2022 David Nusair C , Review 0

Directed by Glenn Gordon Caron, Clean and Sober follows Michael Keaton’s fast-talking Daryl Poynter as he decides to check himself into rehab and slowly-but-surely begins changing his life. Filmmaker Caron, working from Tod Carroll’s screenplay, delivers an exceedingly (and excessively) deliberate drama that benefits from Keaton’s often spellbinding turn as the impressively unlikable protagonist, with the actor’s mostly riveting efforts matched by a sterling supporting cast that includes, among others, Morgan Freeman, Kathy Baker, and M. Emmet Walsh. (The latter is especially strong as Daryl’s sympathetic sponsor.) Despite its wealth of positive attributes, however, Clean and Sober generally remains unable to capture the viewer’s wholehearted interest and attention – with the arms-length atmosphere perpetuated by a decidedly slack narrative that contains little in the way of forward momentum. (It’s difficult, for example, to work up much enthusiasm for a second half focused predominantly on Daryl’s pursuit of Baker’s reluctant figure.) And although the movie closes on an admittedly powerful note, Clean and Sober has long-since cemented its place as a well-intentioned misfire that functions best as a showcase for Keaton’s stirring, enthralling performance.

** out of ****

Glenn Gordon Caron , Kathy Baker , M. Emmet Walsh , Michael Keaton , Morgan Freeman , Tate Donovan

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Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

• Top Ten Lists

CLEAN AND SOBER

• Post author: eenableadmin
• Post published: August 5, 2019
• Post category: Uncategorized

CLEAN AND SOBER (director/writer: Glenn Gordon Caron ; screenwriter: Tod Carroll; cinematographer: Jan Kiesser ; editor: Richard Chew ; music: Gabriel Yared ; cast: Michael Keaton ( Daryl Poynter ), Kathy Baker (Charlie Standers), Morgan Freeman (Craig), M. Emmet Walsh ( Richard Dirks), Tate Donovan ( Donald Towle ), Luca Bercovici (Lenny), Claudia Christian (Iris) ; Runtime: 124; MPAA Rating: R; producers: Tony Ganz/Deborah Blum ; Warner Home Video ; 1988) “ An intense drama about substance abuse that turns out all too predictable , but is nevertheless powerful .”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

An intense drama about substance abuse that turns out all too predictable, but is nevertheless powerful. It’s t he directorial debut of Glenn Gordon Caron (“Wilder Napalm”/”Picture Perfect”/”Love Affair”) , the creator of the television series Moonlighting (1985-89) . Caron co-writes the screenplay with Tod Carroll ( “National Lampoon” alumnus ).

Michael Keaton plays Daryl Poynter, the fast-talking embezzler real estate executive, who is saddled with great debts after losing the stolen money at the stock market and squandering it on drugs. The middle-class cocaine addict, with an additional drinking problem, is in denial over his substance problems. While on the run, after waking up and finding his date dead, he hides out in an abuse recovery hospital to get away from the possibility of criminal charges brought against him for both embezzling and murder.

Daryl is shown struggling to come to grips with his problem while in a 30-day rehab program.

Morgan Freeman plays the ex-junkie strict supervisor at the rehab clinic. Kathy Baker is a self-denigrating crane operator and recovering addict, whose hubby is out on parole for petty theft. Daryl tries to begin a romance with her.

The pic follows the couple’s difficulties trying to overcome their cocaine addiction and begin life with a fresh start.

M. Emmet Walsh plays Keaton’s Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor .

Keaton is superb as the difficult abrasive patient.

REVIEWED ON 4/17/2015 GRADE: B

Dennis Schwartz: “Ozus’ World Movie Reviews”

© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED DENNIS SCHWARTZ

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Film review: Clean and Sober

By deseret news , chris hicks, movie critic.

In perhaps a too obvious attempt to overcome his zany wise-guy screen image Michael Keaton takes a major dramatic plunge in "Clean and Sober," and the comparisons to Michael J. Fox in "Bright Lights, Big City" and Robert Downey Jr. in "Less Than Zero" are natural.

All three actors are better known for light comedy than drama, and all three play cocaine addicts who come clean only with great difficulty. Each movie is a strong indictment of drug abuse, but then this is a subject that has built-in public sympathy.

Of these films, "Clean and Sober" seems the most successful. It is definitely the most harrowing, by far the best written and benefits greatly from a surprise knockout performance by Keaton.

But the question remains, does the moviegoing public really want to see another downbeat drama about the evils of alcohol and drug abuse?

That is for you to decide, but taken on its own, "Clean and Sober" is a fine film - "The Lost Weekend" of the '80s, perhaps.

We meet Keaton as the phone wakes him up one morning. He is in bed next to a woman he picked up the night before. After a night of doing drugs she has had a heart attack and can't come out of a drug-induced coma.

So Keaton hides his stash and phones the police.

Keaton's character is an abrasive, obnoxious commercial real estate salesman who has embezzled $90,000 from his company to keep his habit going. But neither this high-rolling theft nor the girl in his bed shakes him up enough to make him quit coke. He still needs a snort.

With the police on his case and the boss about to discover his embezzlement, Keaton decides to check into a drug clinic - not to quit his habit. Just to go into hiding.

There he meets tough-as-nails counselor Morgan Freeman, who doesn't take any of his guff and who knows every trick - the word an addict hates most to hear is "no," he explains; Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor M. Emmet Walsh, who tries to get Keaton to face up to his addiction and to face every problem head-on rather than trying to lie his way out; and fellow junkie Kathy Baker, with whom Keaton eventually falls in love, complicated by her long-term relationship with a surly ex-con.

These characters play pivotal roles in his life, and the actors all give fabulous performances. But there's no question that this is Keaton's film - he's in virtually every scene. And he doesn't let the script down.

There are many powerful, moving moments in this film, in particular when Keaton phones his parents to beg for money, when he tries to hide out at a friend's home and is turned away, and when he tears his office apart looking for some small envelope of powder to help him through the night. (The latter is very much like a famous scene in "Lost Weekend.")

In many of Keaton's other films you can imagine interchanging some of the characters he plays in that hip Bill Murray-Steve Guttenberg-Tom Hanks persona, such as those in "Mr. Mom" and "Night Shift."

But in "Clean and Sober" Keaton has a volatile edge that seems very real. He's dangerous - not just to himself, but to just about anyone around him. Keaton delivers a noteworthy performance and proves he has talent beyond what we might have expected.

"Clean and Sober" is sobering indeed, with a logical story that progresses believably and which, of course, has something to say - both to drug users and their loved ones.

It is also a tough film, rightly rated R for violence, profanity, sex, nudity, vulgarity and drug use.

Clean and Sober (1988)

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Clean and Sober (1988)

Directed by glenn gordon caron.

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Clean and Sober is a 1988 American drama film directed by Glenn Gordon Caron and starring Michael Keaton as a real estate agent struggling with a substance abuse problem. This film was Keaton's first dramatic departure from comedies. The supporting cast includes Kathy Baker, M. Emmet Walsh, Morgan Freeman, Luca Bercovici and Tate Donovan.

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38 Facts About The Movie Clean And Sober

Written by Audrye Eldridge

Modified & Updated: 12 Sep 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

If you’re a fan of gripping and thought-provoking dramas, then “Clean and Sober” is a movie you don’t want to miss. Released in 1988, this powerful film delves into the dark world of addiction, highlighting the struggles and journey towards recovery. Starring Michael Keaton in a career-defining role, “Clean and Sober” delivers a gritty and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by those grappling with substance abuse.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of “Clean and Sober” and uncover 38 fascinating facts about this remarkable movie. From the intense performances to the compelling storyline, prepare to be captivated by the behind-the-scenes details and trivia surrounding this cinematic gem. So, grab a cup of coffee , sit back, and join us as we explore the intriguing world of “Clean and Sober.

Key Takeaways:

• “Clean and Sober” is a movie that tells the story of a real estate agent’s journey through addiction and recovery, showing the challenges and hope in overcoming substance abuse.
• The movie’s realistic portrayal of addiction and the power of self-improvement continues to inspire and raise awareness about the importance of empathy and support for those battling addiction.

Box Office Success:

Clean and Sober was a commercial success, grossing over $8 million at the box office.

The movie follows the story of Michael Keaton’s character, Daryl Poynter, a hotshot real estate agent who enters a drug rehabilitation program after a series of personal and professional setbacks.

Addiction and Recovery:

Clean and Sober explores the themes of addiction, recovery, and the challenges faced by individuals trying to overcome substance abuse.

Critical Acclaim:

The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised Michael Keaton’s performance and the realistic portrayal of addiction and rehabilitation.

Directorial Debut:

Clean and Sober marked Glenn Gordon Caron’s directorial debut. Caron is best known for creating the television series “Moonlighting.

Emotional Journey:

The movie takes the audience on an emotional journey as Daryl Poynter confronts his addiction, faces his past mistakes, and strives to rebuild his life.

Supporting Cast:

Clean and Sober features a talented supporting cast, including Kathy Baker, Morgan Freeman, and Tate Donovan , who deliver compelling performances.

Realistic Portrayal:

The film portrays addiction and recovery in a realistic and thought-provoking manner, capturing the struggles and triumphs faced by those on the path to sobriety.

Filming Locations:

Clean and Sober was primarily filmed in Baltimore and various locations in Maryland, adding to the authenticity of the story.

Soundtrack:

The movie features a powerful soundtrack that complements the intense emotional journey of the characters and enhances the viewing experience.

Academy Award Nomination:

Michael Keaton’s powerful performance in Clean and Sober earned him a nomination for the Best Actor category at the Academy Awards.

Recovery Programs:

The film sheds light on various recovery programs and the different approaches to addiction treatment, offering an informative perspective on the subject.

Exploration of Relationships:

Clean and Sober delves into the complexities of personal relationships affected by addiction, examining the impact it has on family, friends, and romantic partners.

Character Development:

The movie showcases a compelling character arc for Daryl Poynter, as he evolves from a self-destructive addict to someone striving for redemption and self-improvement.

Authentic Dialogue:

Clean and Sober features authentic and compelling dialogue that adds depth to the characters and allows the audience to connect with their struggles.

Impactful Climax:

The film builds up to an impactful climax that leaves a lasting impact on the audience, emphasizing the importance of facing one’s demons and making amends.

Themes of Forgiveness and Redemption:

Clean and Sober explores themes of forgiveness and redemption, emphasizing that it’s never too late to change and rebuild broken relationships.

Audience Reception:

The movie resonated with audiences, who praised its honest portrayal of addiction and found inspiration in its themes of resilience and hope.

Psychological Depth:

Clean and Sober delves into the psychological aspects of addiction, shedding light on the underlying emotional issues that contribute to substance abuse.

Exploration of Relapse:

The film also addresses the reality of relapse and the challenges individuals face in maintaining their sobriety, providing a realistic portrayal of addiction recovery.

Awareness and Education:

Clean and Sober serves as an educational tool, raising awareness about addiction, its impact, and the importance of seeking help and support.

Keaton’s Dedication:

Michael Keaton’s dedication to his role as Daryl Poynter is evident in his powerful and nuanced performance, earning him critical acclaim.

Timeless Message:

The movie’s message of hope, redemption, and the power of self-improvement remains relevant and resonates with audiences even decades after its release.

Immersive Cinematography:

Clean and Sober features immersive cinematography that captures the raw emotions and the gritty reality of addiction and recovery.

Award-Winning Screenplay:

The screenplay of Clean and Sober, written by Tod Carroll, received recognition and accolades for its realistic depiction of the journey to sobriety.

Inspirational Story:

Clean and Sober serves as an inspiration to those struggling with addiction, showcasing the possibility of transformation and a brighter future.

Exploration of Self-Discovery:

The film explores the theme of self-discovery as Daryl Poynter learns to face his true self and confront the reasons behind his addiction.

Recognition in Film Festivals:

Clean and Sober received recognition in various film festivals for its outstanding performances, compelling storytelling, and its impact on raising awareness about addiction.

Critical Analysis:

Clean and Sober has been the subject of critical analysis, with scholars and experts examining its portrayal of addiction and the societal implications of substance abuse.

Relevance to Real-Life Experiences:

The movie’s realistic depiction of addiction and recovery resonates with individuals who have faced similar challenges, providing them with a sense of validation.

Positive Influence:

Clean and Sober has had a positive influence on individuals struggling with addiction, encouraging them to seek help and providing a realistic portrayal of the recovery process .

Impact on Public Perception:

Clean and Sober played a crucial role in shaping public perception of addiction and highlighting the need for understanding, empathy, and support towards individuals on the path to recovery.

Reflecting Society’s Issues:

The movie reflects the prevalent societal issues surrounding addiction, drawing attention to the broader implications and the need for comprehensive solutions.

Clean and Sober has left a lasting legacy in the film industry, recognized for its impactful storytelling and the brave exploration of addiction and recovery.

Collaboration of Talented Professionals:

Clean and Sober brought together a team of talented professionals, including the director, cast, and crew, who contributed to the film’s success and critical acclaim.

Cinematic Exploration of Addiction:

Clean and Sober stands as a remarkable cinematic exploration of addiction, providing a nuanced and compassionate portrayal of the complexities surrounding substance abuse.

Cultural Significance:

The movie holds cultural significance as it tackles a subject often considered taboo, fostering conversations and raising awareness about addiction and recovery.

Enduring Impact:

Clean and Sober continues to make an enduring impact on audiences, reminding them of the importance of empathy, understanding, and support for individuals battling addiction.

In conclusion, Clean and Sober is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that tackles the sensitive topic of addiction with grace and sincerity. Its realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by those battling substance abuse resonates deeply with audiences, making it a must-watch for both fans of drama films and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of addiction.The film’s stellar performances, particularly by Michael Keaton and Kathy Baker, bring depth and authenticity to the characters. The dynamic script and expert direction by Glenn Gordon Caron add an extra layer of emotional impact to the narrative. Clean and Sober manages to balance the darkness of addiction with moments of hope and redemption, reminding viewers that recovery is possible.Whether you’re interested in exploring the devastating effects of addiction or simply looking for a well-crafted and engaging film, Clean and Sober is a must-see. It serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to shine a light on important social issues and provide a platform for empathy and understanding.

1. What is the main storyline of Clean and Sober?

Clean and Sober follows the journey of Daryl Poynter, a real estate agent struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. After a series of events, he checks into a rehabilitation center and embarks on a path of self-discovery and recovery.

2. Is Clean and Sober based on a true story?

No, Clean and Sober is not based on a true story. However, it is inspired by the experiences of the film’s screenwriter, Tod Carroll, who battled with addiction himself.

3. Who are the main actors in Clean and Sober?

Clean and Sober stars Michael Keaton as Daryl Poynter and Kathy Baker as Charlie Standers, his fellow recovering addict and love interest. The film also features supporting performances by Morgan Freeman and M. Emmet Walsh .

4. What makes Clean and Sober different from other addiction movies?

Clean and Sober stands out from other addiction movies due to its authentic portrayal of the struggles and challenges faced by individuals battling addiction. The film delves into the complexities of recovery and highlights the emotional and psychological toll that addiction takes on individuals and their relationships.

5. Does Clean and Sober offer a message of hope?

Yes, despite its dark subject matter, Clean and Sober offers a message of hope. It emphasizes the possibility of recovery and redemption for those who are willing to confront their addictions and seek help. The film showcases the strength of the human spirit and the potential for transformation.

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