Michael Clayton [2007] | ![Michael Clayton [2007]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51sehSA2r6L._SL75_.jpg)
 enlarge | Director: Tony Gilroy
Actors: George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, Sydney Pollack
Studio: Pathe Distribution
Category: DVD
List Price: £19.99
Buy New: £3.88
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Avg. Customer Rating:  59 reviews
Sales Rank: 14
Format: Pal
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 115
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6
EAN: 5060002835838
ASIN: B000ZN63S0
Theatrical Release Date: 2007
Release Date: February 18, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: (((( BRAND NEW AND FACTORY SEALED ))))
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Amazon.co.uk Review
George Clooney already has one acting Oscar to his name, and it's unsurprising that immediately after the release of Michael Clayton, there were many arguing he was deserving of a second. For without a doubt, as impressive as the film is, it's very much Clooney who powers this one forward. Written and directed by Tony Gilroy, who previously adapted the Bourne movies for the big screen, Clooney takes the title role as a lawyer who goes in to do the jobs that, bluntly, nobody else wants to know about. And before long, Clooney discovers a cover-up that proves to be a mighty challenge to uncover, and one the inevitably conflicts him as a result. Aided by a superb supporting cast that includes the likes of Sydney Pollack, Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton at its best is a tense and effective thriller, written and directed steadfastly well by Gilroy. It's not without a few problems, most notably a comparably weak conclusion and one or two underdeveloped characters. But it's still a worthwhile film, and very much worth seeking out to simply enjoy a terrific performance from a Hollywood leading man who absolutely refuses to shy away from edgier roles. Long may he continue to do so. --Jon Foster
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| Customer Reviews: Read 54 more reviews...
 Clooney at his best June 29, 2008
I don't know what it is about George Clooney, but the man seems to be as conflicted as some of the characters he plays when it comes to his movie roles. On the one hand he can deliver likeable if somewhat light weight roles such as those in the shallow series of crowd pleasers known as the Oceans movies, and on the other he can give us some heavy weight fare, such as Good Night and Good Luck, and this particularly fine piece of modern cinema.
Michael Clayton (Clooney, obviously) is what is known as the "fixer" for an upmarket law firm, the man the firm turns to when they have a problem that they need sorting out discreetly. However, Michael is not without his problems, including a gambling habit, a failing restaurant, and a brother who owes a lot of money to some unsavoury characters. On top of all his problems, Michael is about to be faced with another, even bigger problem when he discovers that the firms top lawyer Arthur Edens (a performance out of the top drawer by Tom Wilkinson) has suffered a severe breakdown. That this breakdown puts in jeopardy the multi-million dollar lawsuit he was working on for agro-chemical firm is made abundantly clear, as is the fact that Edens breakdown was probably caused by his guilt at having to defend a company that is almost certainly in the wrong (witness Edens simply amazing speech). What is also made clear to us is that Michael is obviously as conflicted as Edens about having to sort this problem out, sympathising as he does with Edens position (the two men are clearly old friends) and having to do his firms dirty work. On top of all this is Karen Crowder (another great performance from Tilda Swinton) the agro-chemical companies CEO who wants this problem sorted out before anymore damage is done, and will stop at nothing in order to protect her company, and by default herself.
Written and directed by Tony Gilroy, who previously did such a good job with the screenplays for the Bourne movies, this is an intelligent drama that is something of a slow burner but more than rewards the viewer with some of the finest performances I have seen in a long time. Wilkinson is superb as the guilt ridden Edens who's breakdown continues as the film unwinds, and Swinton portrays Crowder as a character who attempts to ooze charm and confidence, but is actually anything but. But this is Clooneys movie, and he rises to the occasion admirably, turning in a performance with all the edginess that he brought to Syriana, and rightly garnered him an oscar nomination. Whilst the ending may be a little to formulaic for some, it does not detract from what is a fine piece thought provoking cinema.
 Wonderful acting, average film. June 24, 2008
I watched this film having heard rave reviews about it. Awards here there and everywhere, including best actor and best supporting actor. However, whilst I agree that the acting is faultless, the film itself is disappointing. It is very slow in parts, and does not give you enough to keep you interested all the way through. I am an avid "confusing film" fan, but this one needed more going on to hold my attention.
So much of the film was unnecessary and added nothing. I would not say that the film is boring, it is not exciting. Watch for the acting, not for the story.
 A must see!!! June 18, 2008
The best movie I've seen in a long time. Intelligent plot which didn't rely on action, gunfights or explosions to create suspense. Well though out & well written. Oscar material.
slowburn is spot on May 31, 2008
I agree with the comments about it being a slow burn but have found it rewards those who stick with it. The acting is superb and all in all is just simply a very classy piece of filmwork. It's one of my favourite films so far and deserves 5 stars.
Not a conventional whodunnit! May 29, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Some reviewers have expressed disappointment over the apparent lack of a clear story, with a beginning, middle and end, in this movie, and I understand their feelings. However it seems to me that, like some of the other arts, such as painting or music, films can sometimes be almost abstract in nature, in that their purpose is not necessarily to tell a story, but instead to offer pace, excitement, mystery; or to build tension and then to suddenly release it, and so on. I think "Michael Clayton", with its wonderful cast of actors and sharply-edited cinematography, is just such a movie. In any case, George Clooney seems to be one of those rare actors who, having achieved success, is not content merely to repeat things but, on the contrary, strives to explore new approaches to making movies. This film is an example of that desire to extend the boundaries.
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