Michael Keaton’s Most Underrated Movies: A Comprehensive Look at His Hidden Gems
Michael Keaton has built an impressive career spanning several decades, yet many of his finest performances remain overshadowed by his iconic role as Batman. While everyone knows about his work in Tim Burton’s superhero films, there exists a treasure trove of underrated movies that showcase his remarkable range as an actor. These films deserve far more recognition than they typically receive, and exploring them reveals why Keaton is such a versatile and talented performer.
The Early Career Gems
Before Keaton became a household name through Batman, he appeared in several comedy films that established him as a capable actor with impeccable timing. Mr. Mom, released in 1983, stands as one of his earliest significant roles. In this film, Keaton plays Jack Butler, a recently laid-off automotive engineer who becomes a stay-at-home father while his wife returns to work. The movie was a commercial success, but it rarely gets mentioned in discussions about Keaton’s best work. This is a significant oversight because Keaton’s performance demonstrates his natural comedic abilities and his capacity to carry a film as the lead. He brings warmth and humor to the role, making Jack Butler a relatable and endearing character. The film explores themes of gender roles and family dynamics that were quite progressive for the 1980s, and Keaton’s earnest portrayal grounds the comedy in genuine emotion.
Beetlejuice, released in 1988, is another early career highlight that deserves more appreciation. While the film has maintained a cult following and is certainly well-regarded, Keaton’s performance in it is often overshadowed by the film’s overall zaniness and Tim Burton’s distinctive visual style. Keaton plays Betelgeuse, a mischievous and crude ghost who helps a young couple haunt their house. His performance is absolutely fearless and hilarious, filled with improvisation and physical comedy that shows a completely different side of his acting abilities compared to his serious Batman work. The character could have easily become one-note and annoying, but Keaton brings layers of charm and unpredictability to the role. His rapid-fire delivery and willingness to embrace the absurdity of the character make Beetlejuice one of his most entertaining performances, yet it rarely appears in lists of his best work.
The Dramatic Turning Point
Clean and Sober, released in 1988, represents a major turning point in Keaton’s career and is criminally underrated. In this film, Keaton plays Daryl Poynter, a successful advertising executive who enters a rehabilitation facility to overcome his cocaine addiction. This is a serious dramatic role that required Keaton to dig deep emotionally and portray a character struggling with genuine human problems. The film does not shy away from the harsh realities of addiction, and Keaton’s performance is raw and vulnerable. He captures the desperation, denial, and eventual acceptance that characterize the recovery process. The supporting cast, including Morgan Freeman and Kathy Baker, is excellent, but Keaton carries the film with a performance that demonstrates his ability to handle weighty dramatic material. Despite its quality and relevance, Clean and Sober remains largely forgotten in discussions about Keaton’s filmography.
Multiplicity, released in 1996, is another underrated gem that showcases Keaton’s comedic talents in a more sophisticated way. In this film, Keaton plays Doug Kinney, a man who uses a cloning experiment to create multiple versions of himself to manage his busy life. The premise is inherently comedic, but Keaton elevates the material by playing each clone with distinct personality traits and mannerisms. His performance requires him to interact with himself on screen, and he manages to make each version feel like a separate character with unique quirks and flaws. The film explores themes of identity, work-life balance, and what it means to be human in a thoughtful way beneath its comedic surface. Multiplicity deserves recognition as one of Keaton’s most creative and entertaining performances.
The Later Career Renaissance
Birdman, released in 2014, marked a major career resurgence for Keaton and received significant critical acclaim. However, even with its recognition, the film remains underappreciated in the broader cultural conversation about great movies. Keaton plays Riggan Thomson, a washed-up actor famous for playing a superhero who attempts to revive his career by starring in a Broadway play. The role is deeply meta and allows Keaton to draw on his own experiences as an actor defined by a superhero role. His performance is nuanced and introspective, capturing the desperation, ego, and vulnerability of a man trying to prove his worth as an artist. The film’s innovative cinematography and direction by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu create a unique viewing experience, but Keaton’s performance is the emotional core that makes the film resonate. He received a Golden Globe nomination for the role, yet the film does not receive the same level of discussion as other acclaimed films from that era.
Spotlight, released in 2015, is another film from Keaton’s later career that deserves more recognition. In this ensemble drama about the Boston Globe’s investigation into Catholic Church abuse, Keaton plays Mitchell Garabedian, a victim of abuse who helps the journalists uncover the truth. While the film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Keaton’s contribution to its success is often overlooked. His performance is understated and powerful, bringing authenticity and emotional weight to the role of a man seeking justice and accountability. Keaton does not dominate the screen time, but his presence and the gravity he brings to his scenes elevate the entire film. His work in Spotlight demonstrates his ability to be part of an ensemble cast and contribute meaningfully to a larger narrative.
The Overlooked Character Studies
Heroin, released in 1994, is a lesser-known film that features Keaton in a supporting role but showcases his ability to bring depth to complex characters. The film explores the lives of several people connected to heroin addiction, and Keaton’s performance adds nuance to the ensemble narrative. While the film itself may not have achieved mainstream success, Keaton’s work in it demonstrates his commitment to taking on challenging material and working with independent filmmakers.
Jackie Brown, released in 1997, is a Quentin Tarantino film that features an ensemble cast including Samuel L. Jackson, Robert De Niro, and Pam Grier. While Keaton does not have a leading role, his performance as Ray Nicolette, an ATF agent, is memorable and adds an important dimension to the film’s complex narrative. His scenes with the other actors crackle with energy, and he holds his own against some of the most talented performers in the industry. This film is often discussed in the context of Ta
