Rojo
Michael Clayton
I recently made a list of the immediate films I wanted to see, on the list was a gem called ‘Michael Clayton’. This is a slick riveting legal drama not in the vain of John Grisham novel/movie, points already, but more shades of David Mamet, kind of Glengarry, Glen Ross meets The Firm, meets Owning Mahowny.
Tony Gilroy, who? I have never heard of this guy but the writer of Bourne Supremacy, and Ultimatum makes his directorial debut with Michael Clayton, and as I fact checked to find out what this man’s body of work was and found he wrote these films I am incredulous to the fact he wrote Michael Clayton, a well deserved earner of a Oscar nomination (best - screenplay/picture/actor/dire ctor/lead male/support female) and in my opinion should win best screen play, (though I do believe No Country will sweep this year, also in regards to best picture I think There will be Blood is just a tad better than this film). All these loose predictions aside Michael Clayton is masterfully written, with direction of a man who seems an old hand at the sport, Gilroy is showing flashes of Mendes with his first feature, nomination.
From the get go I knew I was in for a great ride with Michael Clayton, the beginning narration was almost overwhelming beefing up my anticipation for what I was about to see. A ostensibly complicated tale of a man in debt to eyeballs, failed business ventures, owing money to heavy’s, struggling with gambling addiction and caught in the middle of a vile legal argument that his firm is handling the plot deepens and deepens till one is so involved the film becomes one I didn’t want to end. Add to this George Clooney.
I like GC, he’s good, I mean he’s a great actor and near all interviews I’ve seen with him he seems so down to earth, just a cool type of guy, so he is actually easier for me to like compared to someone like Tom Cruise who I think is a good actor, but an absolute nobber. Clooney is electrifying in Michael Clayton, he is magnetic, engaging, if this film were a tree Clooney is the bark, if it were a window he would be the frame, the script is awesome and Clooney is just the man to bring it to us with the justice it deserves. “Clooney’s good but he isn’t all that” I hear you say, well you’re wrong he is all that and packed lunch. I try and think of any other actors that could have brought what Clooney brought to Michael Clayton and by that you know, guys who fit the role. I thought Ben Afflick, then quickly realised no in fact he would cheapen this film. Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, no, no both could have pulled it but not like George, a maybe on Adrian Brody but really, Clooney was perfect casting. Another thing about Clooney’s performance is that it isn’t the same Ocean’s, romantic usual George this is a gritty no messing around character with so much baggage in the fours days we follow him we can’t help will him on in his plight.
Added to his performance is Tilda Swinton (who to me is tantamount to Cate Blanchett as best actress in the world) playing a vicious self driven corporate whore willing to order wet-work to cover her and her companies arse.
Tom Wilkinson who is excellent in his supporting role as a lawyer gone mad with the realisation he is scum working for slimier scum and trying to eccentrically atone adds to the blocks of performance that round this off as a most watch-able film.
I was complaining previously that I watch a lot of crap films, but of late since I have made this list (to be honest I made note of all the films up for Oscars for best Picture and Screenplay) stroke of genius on my part because I have been treated to some absolute pearlier‘s, Michael Clayton keeps with this, a great piece of film making.
8.5/10
