Directed by the Bourne trilogy’s screenwriter James Gilroy, Michael Clayton is drove by George Clooney in another one of his marvelous performances as a weary lawyer who cleans after legal garbage left by the clients of a renowned law firm. When the firm’s top shark played by Tom Wilkinson suffers from a meltdown during his defense of a mysterious chemical company from lawsuits, a crisis arises. This gave Clayton the chance to pick up the pieces of his broken life and career and get back on track. He finds out a cover-up of the company’s management to not issue payments to farmers highly affected by their products. Co-producing the film, George Clooney also offered quiet but spirited determination from his character and also found compelling support from Sydney Pollack, Michael O’Keefe, and Wilkinson as well. The well-written script by Gilroy also brought more life to the movie by challenging Clayton as he attempts to reveal the truth behind the cover-up. Although the film’s ending is pat, with the simple message that corporations can be evil and one who is involved in the works will soon feel conscientious, it remains emotionally satisfying. Tilda Swinton’s talents are wasted in her role as the chemical company’s distraught and heartless lawyer. Despite this fact, Clooney fans will be overjoyed to add Michael Clayton to his fine list of damaged heroes.
– Paul Gaita