Michael Clayton [2007] - DVD (George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, Sydney Pollack - Dir: Tony Gilroy)

George Clooney already has one acting Oscar to his name, and it's unsurprising that immediately after the release of Michael Clayton, there were many arguing he was deserving of a second. For without a doubt, as impressive as the film is, it's very much Clooney who powers this one forward.

Written and directed by Tony Gilroy, who previously adapted the Bourne movies for the big screen, Clooney takes the title role as a lawyer who goes in to do the jobs that, bluntly, nobody else wants to know about. And before long, Clooney discovers a cover-up that proves to be a mighty challenge to uncover, and one the inevitably conflicts him as a result.

Aided by a superb supporting cast that includes the likes of Sydney Pollack, Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton at its best is a tense and effective thriller, written and directed steadfastly well by Gilroy. It's not without a few problems, most notably a comparably weak conclusion and one or two underdeveloped characters. But it's still a worthwhile film, and very much worth seeking out to simply enjoy a terrific performance from a Hollywood leading man who absolutely refuses to shy away from edgier roles. Long may he continue to do so. --Jon Foster

Customer Reviews of Michael Clayton [2007]

Zendude
London
4th January 2009

Slowburner but brillant
I felt the need to write this review having seen some of the reviews that put this film down.
My favourite bad review was the one that sad I didn't understand the 1st 20 minutes so I turned it off !
Well lets start at the beginning it is a tad confusing as the plot isn't given away straight away and you start 4 days later then when the film is set.

George clooney is really good in this and its nice to see an actor who could star in big blockbusters, take on meaty roles, since Clooney starred in the aweful 'Batman and Robin' he has seemed to looked for a variety of good roles. He is great in this as the Lawyer/ fixer tormented my what his job really is.
Tilda Swindon is superb as the corporate person who only cares about her career, and Tom Wilkinson plays the part of the lawyer gone awol perfectly.
If you like plots that are slow to unravelled, acting that is 2nd to known, and a good thriller, then this is a film for you.

If you want guns, beautiful actors and easy to follow plots EG ' heres the bad guy, heres the good guy, heres some guns' then leave this alone and go and rent Batman and robin !

twirlysue

6th November 2008

brooding and stylish
Really enjoyed this film and I am really am not easy to please (so I am told). No need for me to add words to what other more literate reviewers have said. Really good.

haunted
IRELAND
5th November 2008

Solid Thriller- Great Performances
The plot outline of "Michael Clayton" is not new. A man who has lost his way finds redemption by doing the right thing in the end.
What sets this apart is the quality of performances and excellent direction. Clooney, Swinton, and Wilkinson are top class.
The director also makes the film more interesting with the relatively slow movement of the plot at the beginning.
There are some great scenes, such as those with Clayton doing his work and forced to bring his son along with him as he has custody for the day.
Swinton well deserved her Oscar for her performance as the lawyer who has gone past the point of return and has no conscience to wrestle with any more.
One complaint would be the ending which is perhaps a bit too swift and tidy.
Overrall though a very good film.

Beaker
Hull, England
30th October 2008

Engrossing
After watching the first 15 to 20 minutes of this film I suspected that I wasnt going to get into this, but bare with it. Its a film that you have to concentrate on to get a full appreciation for. This is a story-driven film so if its action you want ... then you better off with the usual Hollywood trash sort of movie that is easily found. This movie on the otherhand is intelligent and deep. At first it was slow to drag me in but once my interest was gained I had to watch it until the end. You dont get too many film on corporate espionage so the genea doesnt feel tired unlike some other films such as James Bond and the like.

The script is interesting, the acting is very believable from all concerned and the film leaves you with a strong feeling that you need to see the bad guys get their 'just-deserves'. I tried a few times to predict where this film was going, but to its credit I was never able to predict how the story would develop. Great film and worth a buy.

Peter Roxburgh
Dorset, UK
24th October 2008

Who is Michael Clayton?
I was given this for my birthday. My wife and I watched it. It should've been a movie we both liked but it wasn't nearly as good as we hoped.

It isn't bad but it is quite slow.

If you really like Mr. Clooney then rent it but otherwise don't bother with purchasing!