"Michael Clayton" **** (out of ****)
We live in a world where the rich and powerful always seem to get away with everything. Well, we no longer have to wonder why. It is because of a man named Michael Clayton.
Michael Clayton (George Clooney) use to be a lawyer. And according to some, he was a pretty good one at that. Now he has been reduced to what is known as a "fixer". You have a problem, he'll fix it. No matter what and no matter if it is legal.
The firm where Clayton works at is in trouble. They have been boggled down in a case for the past six years. The details of the case are never really made clear. But, the film is not about legal details. This is not a courtroom drama.
Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson) is a laywer working on the case. He suddenly has a bit of a breakdown. How bad is the breakdown? Well, he strips off all his clothes and hits on the prosecution's witness, Anna (Merritt Wever) telling her he is in love with her. Guess who they send to fix this problem?
And that is a majority of what "Michael Clayton" is about. Marty Bach (Sydney Pollack) is head of the law firm which also employs Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton), a litigator also working on the same case. Each who does or doesn't seem to know what the other is doing behind closed doors.
"Michael Clayton" sets itself as a film about ethics and morals. How long can Clayton go on doing what he is doing. When do we reach a turningpoint and say to ourselves, enough is enough! Clayton has helped a lot of people who really don't deserve any help. His law firm has defended people knowing full well they are guilty. When do our actions catch up with us?
Somehow, somewhere along the way George Clooney has become the political, liberal conscience of this country. Along with this film watch "Syriana" and "Good Night and Good Luck". All three take a political stance. Each deals with contemporary issues. War, oil, corporate greed.
If "Michael Clayton" works, it is for one reason. Clooney makes the film. Everything rest on his shoulders. Everyone in the film delivers a fine performance. But, for as good as they are, they are after all, supporting characters. The viewer must connect with Clayton. The viewer must be compelled by his character. Writer and first timer director, Tony Gilroy, does a great job as well. But, if he had chosen another actor, I'm not sure this film would have come out as well as it does.
The film has been nominated for 7 Oscars including, "best picture", "best director", "best screenplay" and "best actor". It pretty much deserves what it was nominated for. Of all the films nominated for best picture at this year's award show, I feel this is the strongest of the nominees. It is one of 2007's best films.
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