Michael Clayton: I'm not the guy you kill. I'm the guy you buy off! Are you so blind that you can't see that? I sold out Arthur for 80 grand. I'm your easiest problem and you try to kill me? Finally, a thriller that's not lacking in intelligent plot! First time filmmaker Tony Gilroy brings us a suspenseful, engaging and intricate legal drama about a plot to expose a corrupt weed killer company whose product is hazardous to those who buy it. George Clooney, in his finest performance to date, plays Michael Clayton, a high-level lawyer at a big firm in NYC, who works as a "fixer". Basically his job entails keeping clients out of legal trouble by lying, cheating and doing all sorts of other dirty work. When one of the firm's big shot corporate lawyers, Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson), goes off his meds and starts exposing a weed killer company's dirty secrets he works for, it's up to Clayton to diffuse the situation. That's about all I'll tell you about the story, in fear I might give something away.
As far as thrillers go, 'Michael Clayton' is certainly one of the better ones. The acting is all top notch, with a brilliant performance by George Clooney. Tom Wilkinson couldn't be better as the lawyer who has a mental breakdown, and Tilda Swinton is absolutely incredible as Karen Crowder, the "evil" weed killer company's litigator. Sydney Pollack and Michael O'Keefe are also solid, but the real star is writer/director Tony Gilroy. From his near-flawless screenplay to his cool, slick film-making style, Gilroy has succeeded in making one hell of a debut film.
My only complaint with Michael Clayton is that it takes a while to build suspense. The first 30 minutes are a bit shaky, but after it builds some momentum, 'Michael Clayton' becomes a force to be reckoned with. Expect some possible Oscar nods for original screenplay, George Clooney and Tilda Swinton. Grade: B+
As far as thrillers go, 'Michael Clayton' is certainly one of the better ones. The acting is all top notch, with a brilliant performance by George Clooney. Tom Wilkinson couldn't be better as the lawyer who has a mental breakdown, and Tilda Swinton is absolutely incredible as Karen Crowder, the "evil" weed killer company's litigator. Sydney Pollack and Michael O'Keefe are also solid, but the real star is writer/director Tony Gilroy. From his near-flawless screenplay to his cool, slick film-making style, Gilroy has succeeded in making one hell of a debut film.
My only complaint with Michael Clayton is that it takes a while to build suspense. The first 30 minutes are a bit shaky, but after it builds some momentum, 'Michael Clayton' becomes a force to be reckoned with. Expect some possible Oscar nods for original screenplay, George Clooney and Tilda Swinton. Grade: B+