Clean and Sober is a 1988 American drama directed and written by Glenn Gordon Caron. Released on August 10, 1988, the film marked a dramatic turn for its star, Michael Keaton, and focuses on a man struggling with cocaine dependency as he attempts to rebuild his life. The movie drew attention from critics for its sober portrayal of addiction and the moral ambiguities surrounding treatment.

Plot overview

The story follows Daryl, a successful but troubled real estate agent whose life unravels because of heavy cocaine use. After a series of professional and legal crises, he enters a rehabilitation facility where he meets other patients and is forced to confront long-standing patterns of denial and manipulation. A central relationship with a fellow resident, Charlie, becomes a catalyst for Daryl’s self-examination and gradual change.

Cast and characters

  • Michael Keaton as Daryl, the protagonist navigating addiction and recovery.
  • Kathy Baker as Charlie, a compassionate yet complicated fellow patient.
  • Supporting ensemble that portrays staff and residents of the treatment center, emphasizing the group dynamics of rehab.

Production and release

The film was produced in the late 1980s, a period when mainstream cinema began treating addiction with greater realism rather than melodrama. While not a blockbuster, the movie received solid reviews upon its August 1988 release for its performances and for tackling difficult subject matter without sensationalism. For further reference about the film's listing and credits see a standard film entry or an online movie database.

Themes and reception

Clean and Sober explores themes common to recovery narratives: accountability, enabling behavior, trust, and the slow, nonlinear nature of sobriety. Its depiction of cocaine use and withdrawal is central to the story; readers interested in the broader social context may consult resources about cocaine and addiction. Critics praised the performances—particularly Keaton’s departure from comedic roles—and noted the film’s avoidance of easy answers about rehabilitation.

Notable facts

  • The film is frequently cited when discussing Hollywood portrayals of addiction in the 1980s.
  • Performances, especially by the two leads, are often highlighted in retrospective reviews.
  • For contemporary interviews and materials about the production, see profiles of the principal cast and crew linked through standard industry pages such as actor pages and director biographies.