Michael Clayton

At work, Michael Clayton is a fixer: he forges the truth for the law firm he works for, he sweeps irregularities under the carpet, he soils his hands to make sure that the clients of the firm come out clean.

 In his private life, Michael is a bit of a wreck. The two worlds collide when his friend and colleague Arthur Edens, one of the foremost solicitors on the market and a manic depressive, has a nervous breakdown and tries to sabotage a previously agreed settlement with agrochemical company U/North.

It’s easy to dismiss Arthur’s behaviour as delirious, but Michael is more and more convinced that U/North and its chief counsel Karen Crowder have a massive skeleton in the cupboard.
But will he cover for his superiors once more? 

Tony Gilroy, the scriptwriter behind the Jason Bourne trilogy, makes a convincing directorial debut with this unusual take on “legal thriller meets corporation drama”.
It’s not The Constant Gardener, it’s not Fracture, but it’s the portrait of a troubled man who faces important questions about truth, lies, ethics and identity.
A crucial exchange  between Michael – played by George Clooney -  and Arthur reads “I’m not the enemy!” “So who are you?” and that is the point where it dawns on Michael Clayton that his eccentric friend has actually put his hands on a burning issue.

Gilroy’s script effectively weaves the numerous elements of the story and creates complex characters to make it even meatier: Karen Crowder is one of the most human and sympathetic villains ever seen on a screen, full of insecurities and fears – just like Michael and Arthur.

Gripping, intense and formally spotless, the film suffers a bit towards the end, when a very Clooney-esque showdown enables handsome George to show off his  histrionic skills; but it’s just a moment, and it prepares for a dry and tough ending.     

Rating

• add to del.icio.us
• digg this article!