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Michael Clayton

Play trailer Poster for Michael Clayton R 2007 2h 0m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 202 Reviews 69% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Former prosecutor Michael Clayton (George Clooney) works as a "fixer" at the corporate law firm of Kenner, Bach and Ledeen, and takes care of his employer's dirty work. Burned out and deep in debt, he is bound tightly to the firm. Clayton faces the biggest challenge of his career when a guilt-ridden attorney (Tom Wilkinson) has a breakdown during a huge class-action lawsuit.
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Michael Clayton

Michael Clayton

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Critics Consensus

Michael Clayton is one of the most sharply scripted films of 2007, with an engrossing premise and faultless acting. Director Tony Gilroy succeeds not only in capturing the audience's attention, but holding it until the credits roll.

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Critics Reviews

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David Fear Blender 09/08/2023
There is a lot to admire in [Michael Clayton] regarding corruption and personal responsibility. You may, however, want to cut out before [the end]. Go to Full Review
Deborah Ross The Spectator 08/23/2018
The storytelling is so good I simply got caught up, and, as for George, he is seriously, seriously good... Here, his performance is passionate, subtle and right on the money. Go to Full Review
Alonso Duralde MSNBC 05/01/2008
4/5
Michael Clayton definitely has its heart in the '70s. Go to Full Review
Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight 10/10/2023
3/4
Michael Clayton has an important story to tell, but is sometimes overly stifling in its stuffy pretenses. Go to Full Review
Joanne Laurier World Socialist Web Site 03/05/2021
The multifaceted pieces of the film are well orchestrated and the performances strong, although the movie's beginning is somewhat chaotic. Go to Full Review
Mike Massie Gone With The Twins 11/26/2020
7/10
This is Clooney at his brooding best, in a solid drama with an ending as explosive as its beginning. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Zola L @ZolaL 10h A fine performance from Clooney, an actor I have never really been keen on as he always seems to play the same personna under a different guise. But here he goes through various emotional transformations, and that behind the nice suits, fast cars and legal mind, he is just another vulnerable man with weaknesses, regrets and bitter memories. Great supporting performances, especially from the ever-dependable Sydney Pollack, Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton. But special mention also goes to Austin Williams, who plays Henry, the son to Michael Clayton. There are various scenes where he has to roll out 5 or 6 lines in one take, and not easy lines either. Wasn't all that keen on the last 20 odd minutes other than the final confrontation between Clayton and Karen Crowder. But the directing debut by Tony Gilroy, who also wrote the script, was as an absolute joy. See more Geo3 F 1d Its not a bad movie but I won't denied it gets very boring once you get to the third act. It feels like a lawyer film where the many files of law office becomes a movie where too much going to on in order to get to a simple conclusion. Overall, not a memorable film or enjoyable for me. See more Thyaagu C @Thyaagu 4d A big satisfying exhale that hits just right! Wholesome through and through. See more Jon G Nov 15 A great movie, one of George Clooney’s best. See more Fifty T Nov 9 The Debut Film That Feels Like a Master's Work: I finally watched "Michael Clayton" after years of meaning to, and I'm kicking myself for waiting so long. This is exceptional filmmaking that deserved every accolade it received... and probably would have won Best Picture in any year that didn't pit it against "No Country for Old Men." What strikes me most is how assured Tony Gilroy's direction is for a debut. The non-linear structure never feels gimmicky, the pacing is absolutely confident after the first 30 min, and every scene serves the story without wasted motion. This is a director who knows exactly what he's doing. George Clooney completely owns this film. He strips away his movie star charm to play a man drowning in moral compromise and financial desperation. It's subtle, lived-in work... you feel Clayton's exhaustion in every frame. This might be Clooney's finest performance. Tilda Swinton's Oscar win was absolutely deserved. Her Karen Crowder is terrifyingly human - not evil, just ambitious and weak in the worst ways. Watching her practice presentations in bathroom mirrors makes her subsequent decisions even more chilling. The film trusts its audience completely. No hand-holding, no excessive explanation, just intelligent storytelling that respects viewers. It's a thriller about corporate corruption that never preaches, building tension through character rather than plot mechanics. 8.5/10 - Near-perfect filmmaking that holds up brilliantly. See more Terry S Jul 8 This film is as close to perfect in every respect as a film has a right to be. It caused me to become a die-hard George Clooney fan forever! Never get tired of re-watching. See more Read all reviews
Michael Clayton

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Movie Info

Synopsis Former prosecutor Michael Clayton (George Clooney) works as a "fixer" at the corporate law firm of Kenner, Bach and Ledeen, and takes care of his employer's dirty work. Burned out and deep in debt, he is bound tightly to the firm. Clayton faces the biggest challenge of his career when a guilt-ridden attorney (Tom Wilkinson) has a breakdown during a huge class-action lawsuit.
Director
Tony Gilroy
Producer
Sydney Pollack, Steve Samuels, Jennifer Fox, Kerry Orent
Screenwriter
Tony Gilroy
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Production Co
Mirage Enterprises, Section Eight Ltd.
Rating
R (Some Sexual Dialogue|Language)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 12, 2007, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Jan 25, 2008
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 2, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA)
$49.0M
Runtime
2h 0m
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