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Review by David DiMichele

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"Corruption is why you and I are prancing around here instead of fighting over scraps of meat out in the streets. Corruption is why we win."
- Syriana

"Do the right thing Mookie."
- Do the Right Thing

Here comes an intense, smart, and deep thriller from first time director Tony Gilroy. Though it’s his first time behind the camera, he has been writing for quite some time, most notably the three Bourne films. He knows how to construct an important film. You can probably thank Clooney as well because he has made his fair share of smart and intelligent films such as Syriana, Good Night and Good Luck, and The Good German.

The title refers to the main character, our hero if you will, played with charisma by the ever-so-faithful George Clooney. He's a fixer at a one of the most powerful New York law firms. He refers to himself as a “janitor”, while others refer to him as a “miracle worker.” He can fix or improve pretty much anything that comes his way. He fills his client's heads with options on how to get out of the messes they’re in, but he can't fix his own problems. Clayton is up to his head in debt: he owes $75,000 on the bar he owns and participates in high stake poker games, the kind which take place in abandoned warehouses where you have to empty your pockets before you check in. His biggest problem, however, is that he doesn’t have the relationship he desires with his little boy. He is divorced so that leaves him with a lot of time to give to gambling and to the law firm. He leads a dangerous and reckless lifestyle but always manages to stay smartly tailored, drives a leased Mercedes and gets his job done.

Enter Arthur Edens, one of the firm's top guys, a litigator to be exact. Arthur (Tom Wilkinson) has been arrested for stripping down in a deposition meeting and then running after a girl naked in the parking lot with only his socks on. This man has been called a “legend” by Clayton but he’s finally gone insane. He's stopped taking his medication and just feels he has had enough of the world and the company that he’s worked for. After spending years on one specific case, which shows him the evil and corruption in the world, Arthur finds himself rethinking who and what he is working for. This revelation seems to rub off onto Clayton. But it’s Clayton’s job, ordered by the law firm leader Mart Bach (Sydney Pollack) to calm this man down.

Enter U North, a corporation which is one of the firm’s most important clients. They’re being sued for billions of dollars because of a poisonous pollution they’ve unknowingly created over the years. The law firm backs this corrupted company because they are being paid millions to defend U North. Both of these multi-billion dollar companies know what the truth is but still they put that behind and let money dictate their world. The chief of U North is Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton) who will do whatever it takes to win.

George Clooney is a most important figure in modern day cinema. He knows he’s getting older and instead of replaying his old roles, he has moved into a more serious line of work. We see his wear and tear in this film and it suits him perfectly. A stubble and dark circles under his eyes prove his character true. We can thank Clooney for putting out top notch movie after top notch movie (besides the Ocean films) and there’s no sign of him slowing down.

The film isn’t really about all of these law suits - they’re merely there to show us how money, back-stabbing, and killing all lead to certain degree of desperation. Nothing is going to stop these people from wanting what they want. All of this adds up to a world that’s driven by money and greed. Gilroy handles the direction perfectly. He shelters us from the “real” world and keeps us confined in the corrupted world. Even at a birthday party, Clayton can’t appreciate it because he knows he has tons of work to do. This world has been depicted in numerous business and government movies as being sinful - Wall Street, Syriana, American Psycho. Michael Clayton is the latest in this line up, and also one of the best films of the year. Take note of Clooney’s scene when he’s standing next to three beautiful horses. It sums up the entire film.

Film Rating: *** 1/2 out of ****

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Comments (5)

Clooney continues to captivate his audience!

Great review! I have watched a lot of Clooney's work. I think of him first as a Doctor in ER and he was such a great actor even then. His personality and the causes he pursues just adds to the legend.

You are exactly right on saying that Clooney never hides his age and he is proud to show that he is not the matinee idol that he used to be a few years back, but there is such wisdom and humility and charm that permeates the very presence of this awesome actor.

I love the scene where he is consulting a couple who got into a car accident and ran away leaving their victim. He delivers his lines with such humility and treats his clients his respect even though they don't deserve it. He is business as usual and he never allows his emotions to show, but that is about to end....

Wilkinson is also terrific in the film. I have seen a number of movies where he is also featured and this is simply one of his best performances.

I'm also a big fan of Tilda Swinton, not because of Narnia, but because of 'The Deep End' where she played a young mother who murdered his son's gay lover. In this movie, she is just perfect as the ruthless counsel for the corrupt U North. I can feel her paranoia and her lack of decency, she is just terrific.

I love this movie. It's about discovering oneself in the midst of corruption and evil all around.

jedmed , December 05, 2007

AWARDSS???

yea that scene was done very well...do you think any of the three (Clooney Wilkinson, or Swinton) will get at least a nod for OSCAR? i belive each one is worthy

dimichele305 , December 06, 2007

Clooney for Best Actor!

hey David, I'm planning to add a banner that says 'Clooney, for your consideration- Best Actor!'. I truly think he deserved to be nominated, at least.

I know that Denzel's portrayal in American Gangster was awesome and the same goes with Bale in Yuma, and also Casey and Brad in The Assassination, James McAvoy too in Atonement and obviously Hoffman in Before the Devil...but Clooney was simply terrific! The only performance I have yet to see is of course DDL in There Will Be Blood, but I think tMF might go all the way with George!

What's your take on this? Yeah, after the top 10 best and worst films, we might as well discuss the best actor and best actress next! (Calling Jeremy!)

jedmed , December 07, 2007

CLOONEY

i agree with Clooney man, also Hoffman....how about Depp in upcoming Sweeney Todd and i really like Emile Hirsch in INTO THE WILD...McAvoy i have yet to see but i think he's strong as well...one more ill through out there....Viggo Mortensen for Eastern Promises...

i'd love to discuss nominations man including actor/actress supporting, directors everything!!!

dimichele305 , December 07, 2007

next to discuss!

Yeah, that would be great! I think we can start the discussion asap.

As for Hirsch, I agree 100%. I think he should be recognized! Depp's role in another Burton film should be interesting, definitely looking forward to it.

jedmed , December 08, 2007

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