George Clooney's performance drives this tense corporate thriller from Bourne trilogy screenwriter James Gilroy, who makes his directorial debut here. Clooney is the eponymous "hero," a burnt-out lawyer who cleans up legal... more » messes created by the clients of a large law firm. When a crisis materializes in the form of the firm's top shark (Tom Wilkinson) suffering an apparent meltdown while defending a shady chemical company from lawsuits, Clayton discovers not only a cover-up to deny payments to farmers injured by the company's products, but a chance to find some purpose in the face of his life's downward. Clooney (who also co-produced the film) brings soul and quiet determination to his beleaguered character, and there's excellent support from Wilkinson, Sydney Pollack (also a co-producer), and Michael O'Keefe; Gilroy's script also does a solid job of stacking the deck against Clayton as he attempts to ferret out the truth behind the cover-up. Unfortunately, the film settles for a pat conclusion that, while emotionally satisfying, feels forced and delivers an overly simplistic message (corporations can be bad; morally questionable work can make one feel dirty). And Tilda Swinton is wasted in a thankless role as the chemical company's nerve-wracked and unsympathetic legal counsel. Still, Clooney fans will appreciate this fine addition to his growing roster of flawed heroes. -- Paul Gaita« less
Randal A. (Movieran) from SATELLITE BCH, FL Reviewed on 8/6/2010...
A gripping Thriller. George Clooney does a great job - right up to the very enexpected end.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Kyle T. (KingKong) from SNOW HILL, NC Reviewed on 1/13/2010...
I love a good script and talented actors to carry it out. Michael Clayton delivers. It doeesn't hurt that the editing and score are also very sharp. Clooney, Wilkinson and Swinton were all Oscar-nominated for their performances (Swinton won), and the noms were well deserved. If there's any indication that Clooney has formed himself into one of the best movie stars of our generation based on talent and not just popularity, this film is it (also his Oscar-winning turn in Syriana and the more recent Up In The Air). Well, I won't ramble on too long, but I will point out, because there's been some confusion in some blogs I've read on other sites-Some people don't understand the horse scene. If you want to understand this scene you need to pay close attention to the scene later in the movie when Michael breaks into Arthur's apartment. The entire explanation is in one quick shot in that scene, so don't blink.
Anyway, I loved this movie, it is highly recommended.
3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jacqueline Y. (JacquieBeans) from COLUMBIA, SC Reviewed on 11/19/2009...
Smart and totally confusing, this film tosses you around, but lands you safely at an amazing end; leaving you with the feeling of "Huh, what a ride...." Unbelievable cast and very intelligent writing.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Octavio F. (Octavio) from SEATTLE, WA Reviewed on 10/12/2009...
Excellent movie, not an Oscar winner (what a shame) but a great performance by Clooney anyway. The end is a great moment and I liked the way the scene stays with Clooney in the cab for a long time, very recommended.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Suzanne B. Reviewed on 2/28/2009...
Intense drama with a powerful conclusion. Stay with it and you will be rewarded. George Clooney's understated performance fits his character perfectly. One of the last screen appearances of the late Sydney Pollack.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Laura R. (HappyTales) from DOUGLASVILLE, GA Reviewed on 9/3/2008...
Well, it looked like a great movie, a genre right up my alley, I see all the awards it received and it has something like 4 stars... I don't know what's wrong with me, but I only watched to the end because I kept hoping it would get better. It did... for about 3 minutes, then the movie ended... mercifully.