Michael Clayton Reviews

Michael Clayton

Slow, boring and very long....

I have given this film 1 star just because it has George Clooney in it, otherwise it wouldnt have got any!

For grown-ups

Clooney's been trying to do proper films for a wee while but sometimes they carry their messages a bit heavily. This one's different; it's really in another league.

Tom Wilkinson's always great. The cinematography's lovely. The plot isn't simplified down for a wider multiplex audience. It doesn't have all the obvious signposting and the involving plot develops properly without having to stop along the way for a pointless sexy interlude or whatever and, well you know what I mean. It's all killer, no filler, as we say.

It was such a pleasure to watch this entertaining film, a grown-up film but with a big American budget. Quite brilliant.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Too many distractions...

George Clooney plays the lead as a sweeper up in a law firm, that has had a huge case on its books for 15 years that is about to close, but apart from the legal argument there are moral questions to be answered if the firm do win this. Michael has gambling problems, a failed business partnership with his alcoholic brother, a failed marriage and kids that are bored withh having their time with their father interrupted by the constant calls of his business. This is all confusing rather than exciting, and it takes work to stay with the plot and remain interested, despite the best efforts of 'gorgeous George' and a pretty good last 15 minuites, at 2 hours this is a long winded film, I would say only for the die hard fan.

It's a Mad World

I would see anything with George in it - thus I guess I must put my hands up to being one of those afore-mentioned die-hard fans - but seriously, even if you have no wish to make such a claim for yourself, you should see this film. It takes a look at the pretty sinister realities of living in a world ruled by corporate lies and propoganda, through the eyes of lawyer Michael Clayton, the man who can 'fix anything' for the big boys. His character is subject less to a great life-changing revelation about 'doing the right thing' - he always knew what that was and had made his choices - but essentially realises that when pushed into a corner he has no option but to slip from one side of the fence to the other in order to save his life - and if he saves his soul too - well, that's good too. I love the fact that while there is a terrifying truth at stake (we are all being poisioned by agrochemicals), in the midst of this machinery there are no black-hatted villains, no knights in shining armour, but mostly flawed people who have sacrificed their moral compass for career success and to conform to the American Dream. This, brought into sharp relief by the spontaenous ramblings of a top lawyer off his meds who late in the day decides to take on the world. This is the catalyst that forces every player to decide who they really are and where they stand. Beyond the story-telling and dynamics, there are some lovely visual moments - George communing with the horses on the hill-top, Tilda Swinton going through the motions of laying her business garb out on the bed like so-much professional armour. And finally the acting. I've read comments that George may not be the 'greatest' actor - I think it's a mistake to think of his performances here and in general in these terms. He is always so compellingly watchable - time and again he hits the right note with class and intelligence and feeling. But what is also impressive about Clooney is the manner in which he aligns himself with the best actors and directors and ideas in the business. He is an actor and film-maker of great integrity and ultimately that is what Michael Clayton is all about.

Clooney at his best? Really?

I can't believe this is supposed to be Clooney at his best. A seriously long,boring, involved film that I couldn't wait to see the end of. Characters failed to get me involved in the story and outcome.Bland.

[Highly rated reviewer]

BORING!!!!!!!!! ZZZZZZZZZ

A film about lawyers and a bad company oooh how exciting ZZZZZZZzzzzzz supposed to be a thriller about as thrilling as watching grass grow. Arty farty piece of crap film storys rubbish nothing really happens. If you like this film get a life or a personality transplant. I hate it when critics make out films are brilliant and there total s**t this is one of them!

[Highly rated reviewer]

Boring

I watched this on the plane from Auckland to LA and it was the most boring self-important twaddle I've ever had to sit through. It came across as wanting to be an Alan Pakula style thriller but was a very damp squib of a picture. Avoid it unless you need to get some sleep.

Clooney at his best? Really?

I can't believe this is supposed to be Clooney at his best. A seriously long,boring, involved film that I couldn't wait to see the end. Characters failed to get me involved in the story and outcome.Bland.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Excellent

Good story, well acted and Clooney is very good. Convincing and a good evening in with a bottle of red. Don't doze through any part though, you have to keep your concentration! Recommended

[Highly rated reviewer]

corporate shenanigans

A patient, somewhat detached corporate thriller. It doesn’t try to drag you in with high speed car chases or loud acting. Though the film seems intelligent, It’s actually quite a simple plot, but it’s a very well performed, delicately directed and measured film. Both Clooney and Tilda Swinton give understated, emotionally fragile performances, and the camera doesn’t try to push your emotions. The intelligence is in the film-making