On this day August 10 1988, Clean and Sober premiered in theaters. This powerful drama marked a turning point in Michael Keaton’s career, showcasing his range in a serious role after a string of comedies. He portrayed Daryl Poynter, a successful but self-destructive real estate agent whose life unravels due to his cocaine addiction. Forced into rehab, he begins a difficult journey toward accountability, healing, and understanding the true weight of sobriety.
Directed by Glenn Gordon Caron, the film stood out in a decade filled with flash and spectacle, choosing instead to spotlight personal struggle and recovery. Keaton’s performance was widely praised for its depth and intensity, proving he was more than just a comic actor. The supporting cast included Kathy Baker and Morgan Freeman, who added further emotional weight to this gritty and realistic depiction of addiction and redemption.
Clean and Sober offered an honest portrayal of the 1980s drug crisis and resonated with audiences for its commitment to telling a difficult but necessary story.
80s insight: Michael Keaton’s dramatic turn in Clean and Sober challenged the expectations of audiences who had only seen him in lighthearted roles, revealing the broader acting depth emerging from 1980s Hollywood.
Directed by Glenn Gordon Caron, the film stood out in a decade filled with flash and spectacle, choosing instead to spotlight personal struggle and recovery. Keaton’s performance was widely praised for its depth and intensity, proving he was more than just a comic actor. The supporting cast included Kathy Baker and Morgan Freeman, who added further emotional weight to this gritty and realistic depiction of addiction and redemption.
Clean and Sober offered an honest portrayal of the 1980s drug crisis and resonated with audiences for its commitment to telling a difficult but necessary story.
80s insight: Michael Keaton’s dramatic turn in Clean and Sober challenged the expectations of audiences who had only seen him in lighthearted roles, revealing the broader acting depth emerging from 1980s Hollywood.
