Customer Reviews

Clean & Sober [VHS]

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

One of the toughest things about drug and alcohol addiction is owning up to the fact of that addiction; being able to say, "I'm an addict." Because until that happens, the addiction will continue and the prospect of getting any help will lessen with each passing day. And the important thing is getting that help before it's too late, regardless of how it comes about. It's being able to recognize the opportunity and having the gumption to take advantage of it, which is what happens to a young man on the brink of disaster in "Clean and Sober," directed by Glenn Gordon Caron. Michael Keaton stars as Daryl Poynter, a high power real estate broker with a couple of problems: He's appropriated some $90,000 from an escrow account to play the stock market (which quickly took a nose-dive on him, leaving him about $52,000 short), but that's not even his biggest problem; his biggest problem is that he's a cocaine addict, as well as an alcoholic-- and he doesn't even know it. All he knows is that his life is in turmoil and he can't fathom why. And when a girl picks up at a mall ODs in his bed one morning, his life really begins to fall apart. He needs some time to sort things out and he needs to get away-- to hide for awhile-- and he comes up with a brilliant idea; he'll hide out in a rehab center where they guarantee anonymity and confidentiality.

He checks in, and it works. Nobody knows where he is, and the rules of the house prevent him from having any contact with the outside world. But Daryl-- a born hustler-- has hustled himself into a corner this time. Because he can't stay in if he doesn't play the game, which precipitates taking a long, hard look at himself. So for the first time in his life he gets caught up in his own scam; and it just may be his salvation. But before he can come back, he's going to have to hit rock bottom first, which he does-- in a pivotal scene involving a phone call to his mother. And it's only when he's faced with total collapse that he finally begins to look inward, and to take stock of how he measures up against the others he meets at the facility; when he starts to realize that he's not the only person on the planet.

Working from a tightly written screenplay by Tod Carroll, director Caron delivers a hard-hitting film that takes an uncompromising look at the effects of addiction, without relying or dwelling upon the physical aspects of the problem to illustrate the depths of despair to which it can lead. To be sure, Daryl looks strung out; but that aside, the story relentlessly chronicles how swiftly drugs and alcohol can wreck a life in all regards. It's a powerful statement, unflinchingly delivered in a concise and straightforward manner. Caron approaches the subject head-on, avoiding any melodramatics while keeping it grounded in reality, which enhances the impact of the drama as it plays out. And it clearly demonstrates how far-reaching the problem is, in that it touches so many others-- friends and family-- any and all who come into contact with Daryl. It gives a personal perspective on the issue that is even more pronounced, in fact, than that of Sandra Bullock's "28 Days" or the more recent "Blow," and is more emotionally involving as well, on the level of Steven Soderbergh's affecting drama, "Traffic." This is an Oscar-worthy film on any number of levels, but 1988 was the year of "Rain Man," and the Academy was clearly looking in another direction, leaving this film without even a nomination. And it's a shame.

As Daryl, Michael Keaton gives a performance that had Oscar written all over it; that he failed to receive even a nomination for his work here is a travesty, as this is without question the best he's ever done and on a par with any of the best of that year, including Hoffman's Oscar-winner. Whenever an actor can disappear within a character so completely-- as Keaton does here-- it speaks volumes about the performance and the believability of that character; and there's no sign of Keaton when Daryl is on screen. Keaton has a very definitive persona, but as you watch Daryl, there's not so much as a fleeting glimpse of Billy Blaze in "Night Shift," Carter Hayes in "Pacific Heights," Jack in "Mr. Mom," or even "Beetlejuice" or "Batman." With Daryl, Keaton has created a unique character, so real and presented with such intensity, that even a passing thought that this is an actor playing a role is impossible. And that's a performance that deserves much more than a passing nod of acknowledgement.

Also turning in an extremely affecting performance is Kathy Baker, as Charlie Standers, a fellow addict Daryl meets in rehab. Baker has an alluring quality that works perfectly for the blue-collar character of Charlie, whose vulnerability quickly gains the sympathy of the audience and helps to draw you into the story emotionally. There's an obvious softness beneath Charlie's rough-hewn exterior that is becoming, a down-to-earth aspect of the character that Baker conveys quite nicely. This is a very real person she puts up on the screen, and it's easy to believe that she operates a crane in a steel mill, because there's nothing in the way Charlie is presented that is false or pretentious. It's a solid performance, and one of the strengths of the film.

The supporting cast includes Morgan Freeman, who gives an understated, impressive performance as Craig, Daryl's counselor; Claudia Christian (Iris); M. Emmet Walsh (Richard), Tate Donovan (Donald), Brian Benben (Martin) and Henry Judd Baker (Xavier). A realistic examination of a problem that affects virtually everyone either directly or indirectly, "Clean and Sober" is a sobering film that, while at times is emotionally draining, is nevertheless a worthwhile and entirely satisfying experience.

There is no other way to say it. The acting is perfect, with Michael Keaton giving us a performance that calling wonderful would be an understatement. He gives of radiance. He takes us deep into the world of a coke addict, showing us every level of a man trying to run from his personal demons only to discover he has nowhere to hide. The script is brilliant, leaving no stone unturned in the quest to conquer addiction. The characters are sharply defined and deep in inner turmoil, with their every nook and cranny of their monumental personal struggles brought out for all to see. The direction is swift and sure, and the tone is gritty and real without being oppressive. It's an utterly brilliant, deeply haunting, character driven, emotional roller caoster ride that makes you weep for these poor souls from beginning to end. It's perfect. It deserved every oscar in existance (it received none, which serves as further proof that awards shows are a joke). Forget "Traffic". Ignore "Less than Zero". This is simply the greatest addiction film ever made. Enjoy.

This was an entertaining movie with some strong performances. However, something about it is lacking an air of realism. I've attended many AA and NA meetings myself, and the portrayal here is somewhat cliched and not completely accurate. I've also been through several treatments, and the portrayal here is also "off" somehow. Modern treatment centers don't really operate in the way things are portrayed here. If you want to know what most AA meetings are really like, find an "open" meeting in your area and attend it. However, this movie was entertaining and the performances are good. It was a bit over-long, and there was too much focus on the romance between Keaton and Baker. More realism, less sentimentality and a little more cutting-room time, and this movie could have been better. But I enjoyed it.

Note - The DVD version is offered only in pan-and-scan, and there are literally no features on the disc.

This still is Micheal Keaton's best film. Oddly, it was his first dramatic film. Most people today know Keaton as someone who does dramatic films, not remembering he always did comedies and standup. He did Mr. Mom, Beetlejuice, the Dream Team, Night Shift, etc. Taken in light of this, Clean and Sober is a very depressing film, and one of the better films to handle the often overly-used storyline on drug addiction. I was stunned at Keaton's acting ability in this film. You genuinely hated him, but throughout the film, you learn to accept him and give him the thumbs up as he tries to build his life back together. Not a family flick, nor a rousing "I'm glad I'm alive" film. It's a dark and realistic film. And, hey, it's got Morgan Freeman in a stellar supporting role, too. Keaton's best film to date.

The DVD doesn't have anything else on it, but frankly, here's one instance where I just wouldn't want anything extra. It would have been nice to have Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, but I can live with it. It's not an action film, after all.

I have seen this video twice and now I am going to buy it. It shows just how far a person will go to satisfy their drug habit. Also shows far far they will go to keep from getting caught. Some addicts don't believe they have a drug problem, but they can see others problems. Detox is no picnic, losing a friend isn't either, but admitting that your are an addict takes even more courage. I recommend this movie to anybody that has a friend or family member who is an addict to drugs or alcohol.

Michael Keaton is perfect in this role. No one else could have played that part. He is selfish, demanding, self-centered and hard headed and most of all full of fear. Slowly he begins to change even though is chaos all around him. Not only is this a good movie for addicts/alkies, jail inmates, etc. People who are trying to control an addict/alkie would also benefit from this, there is no way to control someone elses addiction.

It is very entertaining. there are some hysterically funny scenes and for once aa is not made fun of.

I couldn't find it to rent it and so i bought and watched if 3 times all ready.

All I can say is that this movie captures the desparation and difficulties for addicts and the grim reality of "one day at a time." Buy this movie. You will love it.

Having been through a rehab myself, I found this movie to be extremely realistic to the addictive behaviors and realities of alcoholics and addicts and the way rehabs and their staff function.

If you know anyone with an addiction or you are an addict yourself, this is the movie to keep in your library. Michael protrays the challenges of coming to terms with addiction....from denial to acceptance, with the realistic kicking and screaming that comes with it. I watch it everytime I feel the need to remember how far I have come and how quickly I can go back, if I let my guard down. It's a must see.

CLEAN AND SOBER, starring MICHAEL KEATON (MK), MORGAN FREEMAN, KATHY BAKER, is a movie that will potentially raise as many questions as the answers that is gives out, considering that it touches upon the subjects of narcotics addiction, alcoholism, and the disorder and chaos that is felt in many people's personal lives.

Not knowing MK personally, the work suggests an almost invisible line between the character that is played by MK in the film, and MK himself, as an actor, such is the realistic feel of the flow of events.

The story starts out with MK snorting cocaine with the daughter of a client, from whom he
embezzles $92,000 to speculate on the stock market with high risk derivatives and options, albeit only being a realtor or real estate agent. This puts his job in jeopardy at his employer, obviously, and the substance abuse is coupled with alcoholism, temper tantrums,
deafness in aspects of social skills with those surrounding him, the loss of control over
his over destiny and the annhiliation of his own reputation, that is actually crucial
for any salesperson to survive in a highly competitive field, where trust is paramount
with the clients, before any deal can close successfully.

The value of this work, is not the cinematography (merely TV box-sized release), as the colors seem to lack luster, or the bland and unimaginative music. Rather, the uniqueness of the film, is the attempt to educate the viewer in how a de-tox program unfolds.

The program begins with a 48 hour cold turkey cessation of substances, often in bed. The withdrawal symptoms (vomiting, cold sweats) disappear between 2 to 5 days later, at which point the coordinator (played by Morgan Freeman) urges participants to exert an intense athletics and exercise program (pushups, etc) so as to help the mind focus on the desired end and tasks at hand.

The next phase, is a sequence of town hall meetings, to naturally satisfy the natural impulse of participants to discuss their lives, what led up to their addiction in drugs and alcohol,
and to hear others do the same, taking and learning while they go along.

Next, a so-called "Family Room" is occupied, apparently signaling that a psychological
intimacy has been achieved, and a total honesty among all heretofore, with a continuation of physical activity, exercise which turns into "probations" under which, the individuals
are allowed to communicate with the outside world for the first time since they started (the phone, and travel from the detox center being isolated since day 1.)

Morgan's character is well trained in reading people's faces in terms of whether they are being totally honest and upfront about how clean they are and to what degree they've adhered to the program thus far, and actually kicks out several people for not sticking with it,
or lying about deviation from the process. Eventually, a graduation is held, that is appropriately celebrated with music and dance.

The film shows that the completion of the detox, is not a destination, or an end in itself, but a fresh starting point, or motivator to being sorting out the anarchy, or disorder that is present in each of the participant's personal and professional lives. For some, as with MK's character, this is easier said than done, as was the case with cleaning his own addiction, as he's admittedly become dependent on a married woman for his own romantic
impulses, herself struggling with a husband with a substance problem and a shaky marriage.

The lesson to be drawn is difficult to discern. Are financially troubled people, with bruised ego's and low self-esteem from professional and / or personal success more susceptible and prone to substance abuse and alcoholism? Or does addiction occur more frequently among those suffering from OCS (obsessive compulsive disorder) for example, as MK's character seems to show ? Do the problems relate to a biological inability to happily grow older as the years pass? Kathy Baker's and MK seem to revert to a teenage romance with its corresponding joy despite their actual ages, with a nostalgic trip in time to the JFK years of 1962 hit songs.

At the end of the day, there is only so much that any given individual can expect, whether before or after the detox program, from friends, family, employer, which is that nobody wants to pull the weight of another person who refuses to do so. Life isn't perfect, but one cannot give up on life under the excuse of those imperfections ( not being well connected, others are allowed to get away with financial schemes, etc.)

A questionable decision, in the editing room, was exposing several times the behinds of several actors, messy arm pits, and long dialogs in the urinal while taking samples.

The most remarkable is the finding of a sponsor, during the detox program, who is the addict's personal life-line to curing their problem, and clearing the way to a more probable successful outcome, by carrying out emotional discussions, flushing pills, hard liquor and substances down the toilet, etc.

Be advised that a healthy liver weighs only 3.5 lbs, and can grow to weigh 4 times heavier when abused.