Anyone ignoring evolution will be hard pressed to explain the talent of George Clooney. Perhaps they should at least look at the progression of his career. Either way, another film arrives to convince any skeptics that Clooney can pick, support and shine in good projects.
Michael Clayton is the product of screenwriter Tony Gilroy, most recently famous for the Bourne movie adaptations. Gilroy has created a group of compellingly watchable, flawed characters. He added spicy quirks, corporate intrigues, questionable motives and enough tangles to match Gideon's knot. Audiences are challenged without feeling overwhelmed. The story is worth every twist and turn. Gilroy also directed with a very effective, sure, delicate touch. What is more remarkable is that Gilroy has never directed a film - natural talent here.
Producer-director Sidney Pollack acts here as head of Clayton's huge law firm. Tom Wilkinson is the firm's special counsel defending a huge agribusiness conglomerate in a long gestating class action lawsuit, but his sanity is vanishing. The conglomerate is headed by Ken Howard and corporate counsel Tilda Swinton. Add family, coworkers and mix well. Additionally, Tilda Swinton's acting could be a class study in subtlety - this is definitely Oscar territory. Every performance is the top of its game, all led by George Clooney as the law firm's Mr. Fixit.
OK, I'm a nut for well-produced, appropriate soundtracks and James Newton Howard delivers, supporting the film with compelling but never intrusive melodies.
Michael Clayton's settings, photography and editing are nearly flawless.
Michael Clayton answers any studio cynic who insists that only mindless filmed leftovers, sequels and remakes can reach audiences. This film filled half the auditorium at an early Sunday screening in North Texas - another remarkable achievement.
Michael Clayton is the product of screenwriter Tony Gilroy, most recently famous for the Bourne movie adaptations. Gilroy has created a group of compellingly watchable, flawed characters. He added spicy quirks, corporate intrigues, questionable motives and enough tangles to match Gideon's knot. Audiences are challenged without feeling overwhelmed. The story is worth every twist and turn. Gilroy also directed with a very effective, sure, delicate touch. What is more remarkable is that Gilroy has never directed a film - natural talent here.
Producer-director Sidney Pollack acts here as head of Clayton's huge law firm. Tom Wilkinson is the firm's special counsel defending a huge agribusiness conglomerate in a long gestating class action lawsuit, but his sanity is vanishing. The conglomerate is headed by Ken Howard and corporate counsel Tilda Swinton. Add family, coworkers and mix well. Additionally, Tilda Swinton's acting could be a class study in subtlety - this is definitely Oscar territory. Every performance is the top of its game, all led by George Clooney as the law firm's Mr. Fixit.
OK, I'm a nut for well-produced, appropriate soundtracks and James Newton Howard delivers, supporting the film with compelling but never intrusive melodies.
Michael Clayton's settings, photography and editing are nearly flawless.
Michael Clayton answers any studio cynic who insists that only mindless filmed leftovers, sequels and remakes can reach audiences. This film filled half the auditorium at an early Sunday screening in North Texas - another remarkable achievement.