Michael Clayton
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: October 5, 2007
7.6
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 405 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
313
Mixed:
58
Negative:
34
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
8
billCOct 21, 2007
Took a while to make sense , but ultimately a interesting story that was well done. Gee, a movie with a exploding car that was actually a part of the story line and not just eye candy! Bill C.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
JosephAOct 20, 2007
Overrated. Completely unfocused with no direction.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
MattL.Oct 23, 2007
A very strong plot with great performances by George Clooney and the rest of the cast.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
R.D.Oct 27, 2007
This might be the most overrated movie in years. It was slow, attempted to be too dramatic, and down right boring.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
MarcK.Oct 27, 2007
Not really a deep or profound film, but very entertaining. Tilda Swinton might be the best actress right now in the entire film industry. She is fantastic in almost everything she does.
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8
GDOct 27, 2007
8.5 Exceptional! Michael Clayton is one of the best movies I've seen all year, including the over-looked Zodiac. It is definitely George Clooney's best movie hands down. A movie that doesn't make you feel cheated at the 8.5 Exceptional! Michael Clayton is one of the best movies I've seen all year, including the over-looked Zodiac. It is definitely George Clooney's best movie hands down. A movie that doesn't make you feel cheated at the end...now that is rare. Tom Wilkenson may just get an Oscar.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
JoelVOct 28, 2007
Overrated, George Clooney didn't really impress me, good acting but wasn't able to capture the drama to my opinion.. the end not that good either.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MinkaL.Oct 28, 2007
I loved this movie. It felt like manna from Hollywood, a smart somber fascinating thriller. I cared about it, perhaps because it seemed to be about America right now, exhausted with moral compromises and adrift. It was not the usual I loved this movie. It felt like manna from Hollywood, a smart somber fascinating thriller. I cared about it, perhaps because it seemed to be about America right now, exhausted with moral compromises and adrift. It was not the usual sentimental backwash. ALL the acting was terrific.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
TimothyDungan-LevantDec 8, 2007
A solid, gripping genre piece -- not perfect, but very good, with a superb, low-key performance by Clooney at its center that gives it heft it might not otherwise have had.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
MarceloOct 7, 2007
Good movie. Needs more action.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ArnoldP.Oct 7, 2007
Are we so dumbed out watching product that we can't appreciate such an intelligent, gripping, moral tale. It gets a nine because what piece of entertainment is flawless? Clooney clearly has the taste for meaty roles, and he is excellent Are we so dumbed out watching product that we can't appreciate such an intelligent, gripping, moral tale. It gets a nine because what piece of entertainment is flawless? Clooney clearly has the taste for meaty roles, and he is excellent together with Wilkinson who is brilliant and Swinton who soars. It sizzles with the tightest of scripts, smart layer of stories that keep you engrossed every scene to the perfect end. In the time of Enron, Iraq, a debate over torture, and tainted meat this country is loosing it's moral ground this film is a mirror for our time. It deserves a 10!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
ErakOct 8, 2007
It's really just a run-of-the-mill thriller, but the performances are fantastic, particularly Tom Wilkinson. (Note to Jared C.--*possible mild spoiler alert* at what point in the movie is Wilkinson a bad guy?)
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
HollycOct 8, 2007
This movie is incredibly good. I had no idea what they were trying to sell this movie as, so I was a little unsure going in (i.e. I didn't have huge expectations, but wasn't expecting crap either). After the first 20 minutes This movie is incredibly good. I had no idea what they were trying to sell this movie as, so I was a little unsure going in (i.e. I didn't have huge expectations, but wasn't expecting crap either). After the first 20 minutes you're left with a starting point, but mostly in the dark and hoping to god they (writer/director) pay it off in the end. And man, do they ever. It was such a perfect ending. This is definitely something akin to say, The Firm, or even Syriana in a way though it's definitely not a "message-movie" nor is it the Bourne Ultimatium---However, it's a very intelligent, wonderfully written, directed and acted film. George Clooney gives a great performance. So far, I think Michael Clayton and 3:10 to Yuma are the best films I've seen this year. Go see this film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
BrandonS.Nov 1, 2008
Starts slow, but by the end is really captivating. Very suspenseful in the best possible way. Each half-hour of this 2-hour movie improves over the one that came before. I highly recommend this to fans of subtle characterizations, great Starts slow, but by the end is really captivating. Very suspenseful in the best possible way. Each half-hour of this 2-hour movie improves over the one that came before. I highly recommend this to fans of subtle characterizations, great acting, and intelligent writing and directing.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ClayK.Jan 1, 2008
I agree that this is a thriller. The ending was not a let-down, and I felt that this is a sure pick for a Best Picture nomination. To me, it doesn't feel like a Best Picture winner, but a sure nominee.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MarcusA.Jan 22, 2008
Oh my god, definitely one of the top 3 this year. No one is better than Clooney when he is at his best. If you don't like this movie it's probably because your too dumb to understand it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
KGFeb 11, 2008
Sydney Pollack did a good job as the head lawyer. No one in the packed theater dared move at the end until we saw all of the credits. Nice trick. I didn't get the horses.
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8
JudyTFeb 12, 2008
Good but nothing new or original and definitely not an Oscar contender for movie or performance by George Clooney. If anyone should have been considered it would be Tom Wilkinson as Arthur.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SMFeb 20, 2008
I have enjoyed this movie the most among the nominees of this year.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KathleenK.Feb 24, 2008
Satisfying modern day noir; tightly composed script weaves complex personal stories together to build a tense layered thriller. Understated and darkly realistic acting by Clooney, Wilkinson, Tida Swinton score high praise. Worth re-viewing Satisfying modern day noir; tightly composed script weaves complex personal stories together to build a tense layered thriller. Understated and darkly realistic acting by Clooney, Wilkinson, Tida Swinton score high praise. Worth re-viewing to fully enjoy how the script pulls all those loose ends together with such elegance.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
PatEFeb 24, 2008
Intricate, subtle, tense--well-served by the score--not a single wrong note in the acting, the theme wonderfully summarized in the confrontation between Wilkinson's and Clooney's characters (o.k., maybe the loaves were a bit too Intricate, subtle, tense--well-served by the score--not a single wrong note in the acting, the theme wonderfully summarized in the confrontation between Wilkinson's and Clooney's characters (o.k., maybe the loaves were a bit too much). Every single relationship between characters -- such as the brothers -- well defined without bombast...cinematography both clever and serving to advance the story, with some truly wonderful shots. A complete package without a wrong note. My husband and I loved it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
davids.Feb 27, 2008
Stellar acting, an intelligent script and innovative direction distinguish this otherwise routine political thriller. Clooney and Gilroy are self-proclaimed devotees of 70s cinema - both the subject matter and the distorted framings and Stellar acting, an intelligent script and innovative direction distinguish this otherwise routine political thriller. Clooney and Gilroy are self-proclaimed devotees of 70s cinema - both the subject matter and the distorted framings and innovative juxtapositions are straight out of films like Network, Parallax View or Klute. One feels however that Clooney, good as he is, is straining a bit too hard to be heroic, or maybe the script is too reliant on grandstanding speeches. Still, Wilkinson and Swinton are good, too, as is Sydney Pollack. The opening of the film is a blistering start and propels us into the film. It is a cracking thriller, but perhaps a little pleased with itself at times, as in the final shot of Clooney in the taxi, which seems superfluous. It would be a better ploy to just watch him enter the taxi say drive and then film the taxi drive off in to the distance. There's one subtle 70s ploy the filmmakers missed.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AdrianG.Mar 24, 2008
An intelligent, earthy, fiery and fluid drama - all the elements were there, all the cliches challenged, the world evoked believable, the characters intriguing, and beguiling. The three horses on the hill evoked a moral clarity beyond spoken An intelligent, earthy, fiery and fluid drama - all the elements were there, all the cliches challenged, the world evoked believable, the characters intriguing, and beguiling. The three horses on the hill evoked a moral clarity beyond spoken words. Ultimately emotionally and intellectually satisfying, it cleverly questions how we can go on any other path than the truth. A wonderful companion to 'The Constant Garden'… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BobNJul 27, 2009
What matters to me in a film is the atmosphere, the tone, and how the characters and plot heighten or develop that tone. This film is simple. It is simply good. I love the tone of this film, the corporation lurking always in the background What matters to me in a film is the atmosphere, the tone, and how the characters and plot heighten or develop that tone. This film is simple. It is simply good. I love the tone of this film, the corporation lurking always in the background and the sense of dread. Simply put, one of the best films of the past 5 years.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
MarkTJan 24, 2010
Allow me to recommend two things for all who were bored by "michael clayton:" Ritalin and membership in the Michael Bay Fan Club.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
averyFeb 12, 2010
I love this film. I don't understand how folks have such trouble with gilroy's plots. they aren't that byzantine. just watch some hitchcock for the 50's and 60's. duplicity is a bit too clever, but MC is very simple I love this film. I don't understand how folks have such trouble with gilroy's plots. they aren't that byzantine. just watch some hitchcock for the 50's and 60's. duplicity is a bit too clever, but MC is very simple legal case stuff. i mean, it's no more complex than an episode of boston legal. hey, mark t: don't bust on michael bay. it takes a great deal of talent to make the rock and armageddon, and do not forget that tony gilroy helped write armageddon. to each his talent.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JoshP.Mar 19, 2010
The year 2007 produced so several of instant classics in my book, and Michael Clayton is definitly one of them. This movie was, for the most part, a character piece, and George Clooney, along with the superb support from Tom Wilkinson and The year 2007 produced so several of instant classics in my book, and Michael Clayton is definitly one of them. This movie was, for the most part, a character piece, and George Clooney, along with the superb support from Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton, most certainly delivered is best performance yet.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
LizNov 1, 2007
I was expecting so much more from this film than it delivered., due to the many great reviews it received. I enjoyed Clooneys' performance. This film was O.K, but over hyped and over rated.
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10
TonyTonyNov 12, 2007
Awesome. Nobody left their seats until half way through the credits. They just let the rich tone of the finish savor for a while. Casting and performance was dead on perfect from Clooney, Swinton, Pollack and Wilkinson. Oscars for sure.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
JamesqRudolphOct 12, 2007
I cannot figure out what all the fuss is about. SOLARIS was a better film and that is not saying much
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5
CydneyB.Oct 13, 2007
Wished we'd waited for the DVD. Then we could have done other things while we watched at it. Moves too slowly and not very engaging. Clooney and rest of cast is wonderful, though. Just needed more "oomph".
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
AlexBOct 14, 2007
A smart but unpretentious and entertaining thriller. Clooney is sturdy as always, but the movie doesn't over-focus on his titular character, and the supporting roles are acted quite well. This movie could have easily become a A smart but unpretentious and entertaining thriller. Clooney is sturdy as always, but the movie doesn't over-focus on his titular character, and the supporting roles are acted quite well. This movie could have easily become a snooze-fest considering its dry premise (lawyers are not the most interesting people on Earth) but the film never delves into technical wankery, instead it flows well and keeps the action moving. Surprisingly good film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
PJOct 14, 2007
Flat, uninspired direction. Obviously, trying to emulate the character driven films of the 70's, but the less than engaging plot falls short. All stuff we've seen before, including the predictable "suprise" at the end. People were Flat, uninspired direction. Obviously, trying to emulate the character driven films of the 70's, but the less than engaging plot falls short. All stuff we've seen before, including the predictable "suprise" at the end. People were actually walking out before it was over. Stick to screenwriting Mr. Gilroy. No more 1st time directors for you Mr. Clooney.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
marciaVOct 14, 2007
This is one of the most solid movies I have seen in the last year. Clooney is terrific. Although this is an excellent thriller--the action really lies in the compromises almost everyone has to make.
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6
AaronMOct 15, 2007
This movie isn't as clever as it thinks it is! Good cast though, which is always a good icing on the cake for movies these days.
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8
halbOct 18, 2007
An excellent legal thriller and morality play. A great combination of character and plot, with excellent performances all around. I came away thinking "now that's how you make an intelligent film for grownups". Entertaining because it An excellent legal thriller and morality play. A great combination of character and plot, with excellent performances all around. I came away thinking "now that's how you make an intelligent film for grownups". Entertaining because it feels so real, so plausible... unlike most of what passes for movie drama these days. A Hollywood ending, but with a payoff that doesn't feel contrived or cheap.… Expand
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9
ChadTOct 18, 2007
I'm not normally a legal thriller kind of guy, but this one is excellent. There is not even a dramatic courtroom scene! Good pacing and great acting across the board. The time shifting is effective and actually makes sense to the story. I'm not normally a legal thriller kind of guy, but this one is excellent. There is not even a dramatic courtroom scene! Good pacing and great acting across the board. The time shifting is effective and actually makes sense to the story. One of Clooney's best to date.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
miker.Oct 19, 2007
Best legal thriller in recent memory.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
RJM.Nov 9, 2007
Entertaining at least. not a great film though. starts off strong and gradually loses its edge. had lots of potential. But very entertaining.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
TrollDec 2, 2007
Excellent direction. Clooney in his best inrerpretation: Oscar candidate.
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4
BattleOct 23, 2007
Overrated... it tried to be way more complex than it end being. acting was good but I was left very unsatisfied at the end. flashback horse thing was extremely weak. anticlimactic... would not recommend even for a rental.
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7
BillyS.Oct 24, 2007
O.K. it's very good, but I don't see it being a classic thriller. The story is really overloaded with a lot of sub-plots that weigh it down but all the actors do a tremendous job of pulling them all together resulting in a killer O.K. it's very good, but I don't see it being a classic thriller. The story is really overloaded with a lot of sub-plots that weigh it down but all the actors do a tremendous job of pulling them all together resulting in a killer ending. Clooney, Wilkinson, Pollock and Swinton are excellent but the whole thing reminded me of The Rainmaker. I think the critics are a little eager to say Oscar nomination on this one probably because its the "serious" Clooney. It's good, but come on, a masterpiece?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
ET.Oct 26, 2007
Over rated! A good DVD flick but not worth all the hype.
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8
EricL.Jan 28, 2008
Decent movie. Tom Wilkinson was amazing in this movie and so was George Cloony.
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9
JeffB.Jan 28, 2008
This was an intelligent, suspenseful, and intricate corporate thriller which was bolstered by some electric performances. All three actors who were nominated for Oscars were deserving, and the tension built as the pieces slowly started This was an intelligent, suspenseful, and intricate corporate thriller which was bolstered by some electric performances. All three actors who were nominated for Oscars were deserving, and the tension built as the pieces slowly started coming together. This was a very entertaining movie, and one of Clooney's best performances ever.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ChadS.Jan 29, 2008
"Am I clean?" Those are the ironic words of a "company man" who just planted a bomb in another company man's car. The real hero of "Michael Clayton" isn't the George Clooney character, or Arthur Edens(Tom Wilkinson); it's "Am I clean?" Those are the ironic words of a "company man" who just planted a bomb in another company man's car. The real hero of "Michael Clayton" isn't the George Clooney character, or Arthur Edens(Tom Wilkinson); it's Michael's 9-year-old son Henry, who is clean; who is good. That's why Michael gets out of the car for a closer look at the horses. Overwhelmed by a wave of love for his son, this morally-compromised man realizes that being a father redeems his bad business decisions, and disappointing career in the law firm. As Michael gets up close and personal with the band of equine faces, he regrets his patronizing attitude towards Henry's enthusiasm about a book; a book that Arthur appropriates for the cover page of a report which will lead to his salvation; the same book that Michael ignores. "Am I a good movie," asks "Michael Clayton". Yes, perhaps, even a great one. (As a side note: Is this writer/director a Scientologist? Yes, Arthur's awakening is primarily motivated by his penis, but the once complicit lawyer also goes off his meds. Without the psychotropic drugs, Arthur is an improved man. Can you imagine the controversy "Michael Clayton" would court from the media if Tom Cruise played the titular former prosecutor?)… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
AriK.Jan 31, 2008
Very cool and gratifying film. An amazing cast too.
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7
MichaelE.Feb 12, 2008
No classic, but if every Hollywood movie turned out like this (and they all should), then I would be a much happier man. I absolutely have a crush on Tilda Swinton.
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7
JayH.Feb 13, 2008
Complex and intense thriller, excellent acting, especially by Tom Wilkinson. Nice pacing and tense. Well directed, great score and editing. A solid piece of filmmaking.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
MattA.Mar 27, 2008
Great movie with superb acting. George Clooney really surprised me, and i found his portrayal of michael clayton to be authentic and refreshing. Tom Wilkinson portrayed Arthur with complexity and depth, like a true mad genious. The film was Great movie with superb acting. George Clooney really surprised me, and i found his portrayal of michael clayton to be authentic and refreshing. Tom Wilkinson portrayed Arthur with complexity and depth, like a true mad genious. The film was never very suspensful, however, could be taken very seriously as a corporate thriller with interesting concepts and a thick plot. I highly recommend for those who love scandals, and who can easily comprehend these kinds of events.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
CatS.Jun 18, 2008
Really fantastic. Suspenseful, and phenomenally acted. If you want a smart thriller that respects its audience, this is the one.
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10
WinstonL.Dec 25, 2009
Sydney Pollack ALSO deserved an Oscar nod for ACTING!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
GrantWNov 11, 2007
I went to this movie with absolutely no idea of what I was going to see, and I left absolutely floored by how great of a film this was. Thrilling, subtle, entertaining, and I loved that ending.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
MichaelM.Nov 26, 2007
A solid film in which all characters, good/bad/other are flawed - just like in real life. The "reveals" and character development are subtle. You don't need to be hit over the head to figure out why Clayton is divorced and how good/bad A solid film in which all characters, good/bad/other are flawed - just like in real life. The "reveals" and character development are subtle. You don't need to be hit over the head to figure out why Clayton is divorced and how good/bad a father he is, but it's all there for you to consume without an abundance of dialog or setup. Clooney gives us a character trying to separate what is right from what is reality as he attempts to find the grey area in between which will enable him to live with himself.… Expand
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10
jerlrDec 28, 2007
One of the best films I've seen. Supberb writing and acting and great suspense. Clooney who is usually in macho roles does a wonderful nuanced performance of a man coming to grips with life
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8
NathnNov 28, 2008
I wouldnt call it an incredible, amazing, perfect movie, but i found it very interesting. took a while for the whole plot to start to come together, although that might also be because all my friends were talking the whole time. Its a very I wouldnt call it an incredible, amazing, perfect movie, but i found it very interesting. took a while for the whole plot to start to come together, although that might also be because all my friends were talking the whole time. Its a very intelligent movie, and if you want a mindless movie to sit through, do not watch Clayton. you will be disappointed. however, if you like intelligent movies that make you think, Clayton is a winner. a slightly slow movie, but well worth it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
davenbettridgeNov 16, 2011
Although this movie is a little dry at times and the exact thing that the film makers are trying to say seems unclear to me, Michael Clayton is a solid movie with some good themes, relatable characters and some real good performances. ClooneyAlthough this movie is a little dry at times and the exact thing that the film makers are trying to say seems unclear to me, Michael Clayton is a solid movie with some good themes, relatable characters and some real good performances. Clooney is good throughout and his performance in the last scene is FANTASTIC and a must see. Recommended.… Expand
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9
johntechwriterMar 11, 2023
An unsparing exploration of corruption in American corporate culture, and how its tentacles spread to corporate service providers: in this case, the law firm representing a leading agricultural chemical company. The story is told through itsAn unsparing exploration of corruption in American corporate culture, and how its tentacles spread to corporate service providers: in this case, the law firm representing a leading agricultural chemical company. The story is told through its effects on the personal lives of the three principal actors: George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, and Tilda Swinton. The latter two are actors’ actors, and Clooney proves he can ditch his suave persona and hang in there with them.

Every actor has a chance to shine in this film. The script is letter perfect, without a redundant or gratuitous word. The film’s technical aspects are good enough that you don’t notice them. The director wisely prevents anything from competing with the story, which is horrific, and utterly plausible. Nor is anything about this film preachy. Characters are simply who they are, and what they do in the legal maneuverings in their client’s defense speak for themselves.

Tom Wilkinson deserves special mention. His character has some bipolar issues, which gives Wilkinson license to play the middle-aged madman as only he can. (He got an Oscar nomination for his performance.)

Like my other favorite Clooney film, Syriana, Michael Clayton does not patronize its viewers by explaining every little detail. Literate viewers who prefer drama over action and are capable of keeping track of events as they unfold in parallel will absolutely bask in the quality of the writing and the principal actors’ ability to create completely original characters and play them with great integrity. This is American dramatic film making — a vanishing art — at its best.… Expand
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8
beingryanjudeAug 27, 2014
With a stellar script and powerful direction from Tony Gilroy, it isn't surprising how passionate the performances were. Clooney, Wilkinson and Swinton--all in top form.
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8
SpangleJun 8, 2014
I typically find most George Clooney movies to be a tad boring, but this one was certainly not boring at all. Rather, it managed to have my attention from beginning to end trying to follow everything that was going on. For starters, the plotI typically find most George Clooney movies to be a tad boring, but this one was certainly not boring at all. Rather, it managed to have my attention from beginning to end trying to follow everything that was going on. For starters, the plot is a bit confusing and convoluted at times and that would be a bad thing if they did not resolve my questions at the end. Throughout, the tension is always present and keeps you on the edge of your seat as more and more questions get answered and the puzzle pieces start coming together. At the end of the day, it is amazing just how far some will go to keep their dirty secrets from being aired and, really, that is what this one is about. The film summary on many sites is somewhat accurate, but really fails to capture what this one is truly about. The writing here is also very sharp and the cinematography is very stylish as well. George Clooney is also great here, as well as Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton in smaller roles. Then again, the acting as a whole was very good. Finally, the monologue delivered by Wilkinson at the beginning (and later finished as the story truly begins) is also phenomenally written and delivered. It really sets the tone for the rest of the film. Overall, "Michael Clayton" is a good, tense thriller that is a bit slow and confusing at times, but is undoubtedly satisfying.… Expand
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9
Compi24Apr 16, 2019
Tony Gilroy's Academy Award nominated directorial debut, "Michael Clayton," stars George Clooney as the titular legal fixer in question, whose firm encounters a snag when one of its top litigators turns coat in the face of a pending lawsuit.Tony Gilroy's Academy Award nominated directorial debut, "Michael Clayton," stars George Clooney as the titular legal fixer in question, whose firm encounters a snag when one of its top litigators turns coat in the face of a pending lawsuit. First off, as a fan of Tony Gilroy's co-writing work alone, I was pretty stoked to see this. And, to be sure, finally seeing Gilroy with his screenwriting gloves proverbially off made for such a satisfying cinematic experience. "Michael Clayton" is a carefully plotted, yet objectively engrossing story, punctuated with superb dialogue, deliberate thematic resonance, and incredible acting. It's a real bummer this didn't kick off a reinvigorated interest in the "corporate thriller" sub-genre, because the real-world feel and implications of everything just made for that much more of an entertaining watch. And, don't be fooled. Though you may find yourself questioning some decisions here and there, it all pays off in a terrifically gratifying conclusion that I won't soon forget. Fantastic work here.… Expand
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10
MccuskyMar 3, 2018
A real masterpiece, each character is tense and real, story is smart and reflects the moralities that people of certain companies face. Each proposed flaw in a character is a strength from another perspective and sometimes vice versa, theA real masterpiece, each character is tense and real, story is smart and reflects the moralities that people of certain companies face. Each proposed flaw in a character is a strength from another perspective and sometimes vice versa, the film draws you in with these delicate touches and each of the individuals stories. Perhaps Clooneys best performance… Expand
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6
twall3Aug 19, 2020
I really respect Tony Gilroy as a screen writer, and I could see his intelligence in the dialogue spoken. That said, most of the movie felt like random scenes and confusing developments. My wife said it well: "I don't like movies where it'sI really respect Tony Gilroy as a screen writer, and I could see his intelligence in the dialogue spoken. That said, most of the movie felt like random scenes and confusing developments. My wife said it well: "I don't like movies where it's confusing and unenjoyable until the last 5 minutes, and then it all makes sense". For us, Mr. Gilroy was too smart for his own good. George Clooney did a great job acting, but when the scenes he's working through are confusing, it's still not fun to watch. Seem to contain unnecessary rabbit trails. Crude dialogue about 2 prostitutes going down on a guy, and for no help to the story. The next day I listened to the the commentary featuring the Gilroy brothers, and it made me appreciate the film a lot more. Tony even mentioned he realized he was asking a lot of the audience to keep watching when things didn't necessarily seem to make sense. Post-commentary I would give it a higher score, but for first time viewers you may not love it.… Expand
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9
bds92Sep 6, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Crime, legal, or police themed dramas have the tendency to be incredibly overblown, or simply transition into comedy. With the exception of the scene where Arthur Edens strips, Michael Clayton is actually pretty understated. The whole movie takes place on George Clooney's face, where you can see the regret, despondence, frustration and desperation of each moment where every single character is counting on him. There's no wild chase, no mystery to solve with good cops, bad cops, donuts and canines. There's a dirty lawyer, there's a dirty law firm, and there's a guy who never made up his mind about what he wanted to do with his life, or whether he wanted to be good or evil. Clooney is skilled enough as an actor to become a decent guy one moment, and a cold, heartless realist in the next, akin to the role he would later play in Up In The Air. The supporting cast is terrific, the story is realistic, Edens is a character you can both sympathize with and admonish, and Clooney carries everyone's burdens on his shoulders, if only for a little while. For such a ruthless cast of characters, this movie has a lot of heart and depth.… Expand
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7
amheretojudgeMay 7, 2018
i know it's a long way..

Michael Clayton As much as detailed it is, the feature wanders off onto surface where even though character has offered enough range and room to fill in, it still feels disconnected somewhat. The writing is wittyi know it's a long way..

Michael Clayton

As much as detailed it is, the feature wanders off onto surface where even though character has offered enough range and room to fill in, it still feels disconnected somewhat. The writing is witty especially on the protagonist for it is portrayed to have potential and superior than any other characters and still it goes into its desperate and vulnerable zone that helps ground the feature. Tony Gilroy; the writer-director, has done some appreciative research and work in this project which pays off well in here. George Clooney has done a decent work in it and is supported with a great cast like Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson. Michael Clayton peeps into the whole "law" world and manages to make it more from it and if it had gripping screenplay, the feature would have easily entered major league.… Expand
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7
FilipeNetoDec 12, 2020
This film is one of those I saw out of curiosity, seduced by a short summary of its script and also by the luxurious cast, which includes George Clooney and Tilda Swinton (in my perspective one of those actresses somewhat overlooked, but whoThis film is one of those I saw out of curiosity, seduced by a short summary of its script and also by the luxurious cast, which includes George Clooney and Tilda Swinton (in my perspective one of those actresses somewhat overlooked, but who has a talent that we can't help but recognize). I'm glad I did, the film really deserves attention, even though it has been a little out of the public's attention.

The film weaves a pleasant thriller around a large law firm committed to the defense of an indigestible client: a chemical corporation, as guilty as sin in a class action filed by several plaintiffs, who accuse it of poisoning. When the lawyer leading the case, one of the most experienced in the firm, finds out the truth, has a nervous breakdown and is so possessed by his own guilt that he starts doing everything he can to report what he knows, even if it is highly damaging for the law firm that, desperate to contain damage, mobilizes a collaborator whose specialty is managing crises and dealing with difficult situations, a highly indebted man, with a life full of problems and who is adept at putting the truth into perspective. However, this situation will test his skills as well as his morality. I believe that no lawyer likes to defend unscrupulous clients that he knows they are guilty, but for the good lawyer even the Devil has the right to defense, and it is up to the lawyer to protect his client's interests as much as possible, no matter how bad he is. This thriller uses the theme of inner guilt well to question the extent to which a lawyer can dissociate himself from what he has to do professionally.

In addition to the appealing theme, the film has a truly seductive cast of actors. George Clooney is one of those actors who almost always does well in everything and has an almost bulletproof talent. Here, he gives life to an unpleasant character, someone I would not want for a friend and much less an enemy, an experienced, artful lawyer, skilled in handling facts and for whom the truth is a matter of perspective. But the actor does it in a way that it is impossible not to sympathize with the character and to realize how frustrated he is for what he does and little appreciated by the bosses themselves, despite basically doing their dirty work! Another actress worth mentioning is Tilda Swinton, who gave life to one of the directors of the chemical firm. She is a woman of few scruples and whose concern is to save the face of the firm even if it means lying unabashedly. She reminded me of those individuals who take a roasted chicken bone, wash it and try to sell it as a saint relic. The actress's performance was good enough to earn her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, and I think it contributed a lot to how she transformed the character into someone on the verge of a nervous or mental breakdown. But even more striking, for me, was Tom Wilkinson's performance, in a deeply tragic character.

I think the film is quite lukewarm on technical issues. There is no cinematography that stands out in any way, and the sets and costumes are basically the ones we could hope to find. In addition, we also have the fact that the film takes its time to attract our attention and to truly engage. One thing that I really liked was the way the film starts, with a whole brutal monologue about the law firm, able to take us immediately to the topic and put us right on the spotlight of the film. The scene of the car explosion was also well done and it is the moment where the special effects were able to participate more visibly.… Expand
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4
KenRDec 22, 2021
Michael Clayton – The Cleaver film you have when you’re maybe not having a Cleaver Film

In Australia there was an ad for a drink called Claytons Tonic, it was ‘sold’ as the ‘Drink you have when you’re not Drinking’. Curiously, this scriptMichael Clayton – The Cleaver film you have when you’re maybe not having a Cleaver Film

In Australia there was an ad for a drink called Claytons Tonic, it was ‘sold’ as the ‘Drink you have when you’re not Drinking’. Curiously, this script for me played out much like that ad; It looked interestingly like the real thing...very polished and almost convincing but had something manufactured or fake about it. When writers take you backward and forwards in their narrative, I get the feeling they may be concealing something - this could be just so for this story. It’s savvy, strongly cast, and handsomely mounted but, do all the plot devices add up to a completely convincing story? Either I was not concentrating enough or perhaps there were details in Tony Gilroy’s script shrouded in unrealized potential? IE; Why give the hit-run driver such an integral role early in the piece, especially if this was only intended to introduce us to the grubby side of Clooney’s ‘prostitute’-type attorney’s character? Why did George erratically drive off into the country after leaving the hit-run-driver and stop to check out three horses on a hill (this had more of an air of fantasy about it) Why was Wilkinson’s attorney character secretly ringing Clooney’s young son to discuss a Sci-Fi book and highlighting sections of its pages? We know Wilkinson’s character was on the verge of a breakdown as a result of his realization of malpractice but did we need so many unnecessary details, of his outlandishly sordid actions? Why did the super professional hitmen risk planting a complicated bomb in Clooney’s car when they could have taken him out so much easier? Perhaps all these plot devices (and more) could have been introduced to us earlier or in a far clearer manner – this picture had ‘Oscar bait’ written all over it. While in some respects it might be better than some, it also seems somewhat pretentiously overwritten in its claims to fame. Parental warning; Potty-mouthed dialog and F-Bombs throughout.… Expand
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9
AsHwAtThAmADec 12, 2019
The scene plotted well.. mr.Clooney did great job.. probably his best movies ever seen..
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9
Richard552Aug 15, 2022
The final face off that Clooney has is pure brilliance. $1 to buy a Netflix account, Google search: vtvshare
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