merelyaninnuendo
Michael ClaytonAs much as detailed it is, the feature wanders off onto surface where even though character has offered enough range and room to fill in, it still feels disconnected somewhat. The writing is witty especially on the protagonist for it is portrayed to have potential and superior than any other characters and still it goes into its desperate and vulnerable zone that helps ground the feature. Tony Gilroy; the writer-director, has done some appreciative research and work in this project which pays off well in here. George Clooney has done a decent work in it and is supported with a great cast like Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson. Michael Clayton peeps into the whole "law" world and manages to make it more from it and if it had gripping screenplay, the feature would have easily entered major league.
Davis P
Michael Clayton (2007) is a real piece of art, it hits every note spot on. There are certain things that I look for in a film, things i believe they must have in order for it to be a success. I look for correct casting, quality performances by the members of the cast, good script, and a satisfactory filmmaking style that fits that specific film. I can say with confidence that Michael Clayton fits the bill on every single thing I mentioned. Clooney gives a good performance as he always does, as does the ever talented Tilda Swinton (this was her Academy Award win). If you ask me, Tom Wilkinson comes out on top here as far as acting goes. He gives a fierce passionate performance. Wilkinson is a fantastic actor and he absolutely nails it here as a very crucial character in the plot. The script moves everything along at a fairly good pace, not too slow, and not fast either. I liked the pace and thought the runtime of two hours suited it well. towards the end things kinda speed it up, in an appropriate way, because everything is coming to a point. I loved the way they chose to end the film. It was raw and very dramatic, made for a grand finale to an exciting well done piece of art. 9/10 for Michael Clayton.
TonyMontana96
A story that gets much better in the second half, Michael Clayton would have been great if it had a bit more awareness towards it's pacing within the first half of the picture. George Clooney play's Michael Clayton, a middle aged 'fixer' for a law firm that clears up the problems no one else want's to deal with; and gives a very good performance, with transparent emotions, and it's among his best performances as well. The story is complicated enough, and turns into an entertaining thriller just after the hour mark, where dull moments are nowhere to be found, and interesting plot revelations reveal themselves. At first I wasn't impressed, I felt the dialogue and the scenes displayed were being dragged out to make the film longer, and just before the hour mark, I nearly drifted off, which is never a good sign, however it picks up and its rather good with some impressive moments of suspense and plenty of intelligent twists to keep you on the edge of your seat, and what makes it even better is the atmosphere, especially towards the end, you see Clayton, you can see he has a lot on his mind, and his actions and portrayal are truly excellent making the Clayton character exceptionally good.Tilda Swinton, Ray Wilkinson and Sydney Pollack also feature in the film and the rest of the supporting cast are fairly good, if nothing special. Tony Gilroy who directed and wrote this picture has done solid work regarding the direction, however his script has its ups and down's, and only improves significantly after the hour mark but it's still worth it. Michael Clayton showcases strong acting from Clooney, an upbeat second half, and an inventive, neat ending that almost makes you forgive the rather slow start.
transcendingpictures
This film marks an incredible directorial debut for Tony Gilroy. He was an accomplished screenwriter - and his script for MC is immaculate - but his direction was inspired with confidence and craftsmanship. Immaculate performances across the board - especially from Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson. Masterful storytelling and nearly perfect execution. The look and feel of the world was perfectly calibrated. It's one of the those films that gets even stronger with age. There's so much happening in his film, to re-watch is overcome with revelations. I love this film so much. I really wish they made films this smart and well-crafted more often these days. It's just not the kind of film that movie studios care to make anymore. Sadly.