Summer’s over and with the changing leaves come the studio’s more prestigious pictures, the ones they hope to garner some of that all-important Oscar Buzz with. Warner Brothers’ entry is a film from writer, first-time director Tony Gilroy (the Bourne trilogy).
Less about the courtroom and more about the boardroom the title character Michael Clayton is a “fixer” (George Clooney) for a well-reputed New York corporate law firm. He’s the guy they bring in when a client has gotten themselves into an impossible situation like being involved in a hit-and-run or some career- ruining story making its way into the papers. But Michael is becoming increasingly frustrated with his life, his work and his questionable reputation.
The firm’s co-founder Marty Bach (Sydney Pollack) has sent Michael out to the Midwest in order to reign in one of the group’s well-respected attorneys Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson) who, one the eve of favorably wrapping up a long-running law suit for their agrochemical company client U/North, has had a complete breakdown. His actions threaten to take down the client as well as the firm. U/North’s in-house attorney Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton) has more than just her career at stake here and begins an investigation of her own. Michael has to call upon all his connections and savvy to help a friend out of a bind and ultimately, himself.
Director Gilroy decided early on that the film should have a similar tone and tempo as character driven movies of the 70’s. The movie is not an issue movie. You’re not learning about some evils pesticide and some company’s attempts to cover up the devastating effects of its use. This movie is about characters, their inner turmoil, their interactions with each other and the consequences of their actions. But don’t write it off as a completely cerebral film. There is a sufficient amount of tension and intrigue to carry you along. Even the cold bleakness of the New York City in winter locations adds another layer to this fascinating story.
Michael Clayton is the kind of character actors love to sink their teeth into. He skirts along through the grey areas of life, relying on charm and quick thinking to get the job done. By the time we meet him, Michael, who may have been moral in his youth is ground down and tired. To play him convincingly George Clooney had reach down to be decidedly un-George Clooney-like. And I for one think he succeeded. There is desperation and determination in Clooney’s portrayal of Michael. It’s right on the money.
Performances all around in this movie are top-notch. Once again Tom Wilkinson steals scenes as the emotionally unstable (or is he really?) Arthur. The always amazing Tilda Swinton plays the heavy with humanity and frailty. Who among us wouldn’t react the same way when things get so out of hand? Director and a producer on this film, Sydney Pollack brings the kind of presence and respectability you come to expect from him. He seems very at home in the role of a Senior Partner and quasi-father figure for Michael.
Michael Clayton is an intelligent, thoughtful, griping drama and a good way to start off the Oscar season.
Running Time: 119 minutes
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