Michael Clayton (2007)

A law firm brings in its "fixer" to remedy the situation after a lawyer has a breakdown while representing a chemical company that he knows is guilty in a multi-billion dollar class action suit.

Director:

Tony Gilroy

Writer:

Tony Gilroy

Stars:

Tom Wilkinson, Michael O'Keefe, Tilda Swinton

Won 1 Oscar. Another 19 wins & 60 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tom Wilkinson	...	Arthur Edens
Michael O'Keefe	...	Barry Grissom
Sydney Pollack	...	Marty Bach
Danielle Skraastad	...	Bridget Klein (voice)
Tilda Swinton	...	Karen Crowder
George Clooney	...	Michael Clayton
Wai Chan	...	Chinese Dealer
Alberto Vazquez	...	Player #1
Brian Koppelman	...	Player #2
Thomas McCarthy	...	Walter (voice) (as Tom McCarthy)
Denis O'Hare	...	Mr. Greer
Julie White	...	Mrs. Greer
Austin Williams	...	Henry Clayton
Jennifer Van Dyck	...	Ivy
Frank Wood	...	Gerald

Storyline

Michael Clayton, a high-priced-law-firm's fixer, leaves a late-night poker game, gets a call to drive to Westchester, and watches his car blow up as he's taking an impromptu dawn walk through a field. Flash back four days. He owes a loan shark to cover his brother's debts (Michael's own gambling habits have left him virtually broke). His law firm is negotiating a high-stakes merger, and his firm's six-year defense of a conglomerate's pesticide use is at risk when one of the firm's top litigators goes off his meds and puts the case in jeopardy. While Michael is trying to fix things, someone decides to kill him. Who? Meanwhile, his son summarizes the plot of a dark fantasy novel.

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Plot Keywords:

law | law firm | fixer | attorney | debt | 

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Taglines:

The truth is what he makes it.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language including some sexual dialogue

Details

Official Sites:

CMC [tw] Constantin Film [de]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 October 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

Avukat

Filming Locations:

Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$25,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$719,910 (USA) (5 October 2007)

Gross:

$49,024,969 (USA) (14 March 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Samuels Media, Castle Rock Entertainment, Mirage Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Was the only movie at the Oscars in 2008 to receive more than one acting nomination - it received three.

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Goofs

It is stated that Michael started with the firm in 1990, and has been with them for 17 years, making the year 2007 as expected. His birthday is also described as being in 1959, but at another point while speaking to Marty he reflects on his state in life and claims to be 45 years old - he should be 47 or 48. He may, however, be exaggerating his youth.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Arthur Edens: Michael. Dear Michael. Of course it's you, who else could they send, who else could be trusted? I... I know it's a long way and you're ready to go to work... all I'm saying is wait, just wait, just-just-just... please hear me out because this is not an episode, relapse, fuck-up, it's... I'm begging you Michael. I'm begging you. Try and make believe this is not just madness because this is not just madness. Two weeks ago I came out of the building, okay, I'm running across Sixth ...

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Connections

Featured in Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: Million Dollar Movie Week 3 (2010)

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Soundtracks

"The Thought of You"
Written by Edwina Travis Chin (as Edwina Travis-Chin)
Provided by APM Music

User Reviews

Excellent Thriller

I just fall in love with this movie, I didn't see a Thriller like this for long time, this movie is really good, I think George Clooney did a terrific job, so as the cost .

This legal thriller was a pleasant surprise. I always expect to enjoy George Clooney's presence in a film. In this case, Clooney's excellent work is in evidence, but also watch for an Oscar-worthy turn from Tom Wilkinson, and a powerful, edgy performance by Tilda Swinton.

Michael Clayton is perfectly paced, and complex without being confusing. The director, Tony Gilroy, chooses lingering and steady shots over in the jumbled, shaky hand-held style that is currently so in vogue -- and his choice works well as the tension and drama build to a climactic, and terrific, final act.

In my opinion, if George Clooney keeps himself in the right direction he will definitely take another Oscar.

Entertainment: 9.7/10

Overall Score: 9.5/10