Scan and Pan
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Michael Clayton
Michael Clayton (George Clooney) is a fixer for a prestigious law firm. After the firm's top litigator, Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson), suffers a manic episode and damages an important case, Clayton is called in to clean things up. He learns that Edens was defending a corporation against a class action lawsuit brought over a toxic chemical that killed hundreds of people when his conscience caught up to him, triggering his manic episode. Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton), the corporation's general counsel, hires her own fixers (Robert Prescott, Terry Serpico) of a more deadly kind to ensure that the truth remains buried.
Writer and first time director Tony Gilroy, who previously wrote or co-wrote the screenplays for all three Bourne films, makes an impressive debut at the helm with a smart, character driven thriller that sleekly unfolds like a cleverly planned maze. Several times I thought the film was headed in one direction only to discover it was actually bound for a much different destination. The rhythm of the film is that of a slow burn, but the slower pace serves to heighten the suspense. Instead of relying on numerous action scenes, Gilroy turns to characterization, dialog, and a carefully plotted story to build and sustain interest. It's a throwback to the intelligent thrillers of the 1970s like Three Days of the Condor, and the director of that film (Sydney Pollack) is one of the producers of this film (as well as a member of its cast).
Cinematographer Robert Elswit (Good Night, and Good Luck, Syriana) contributes low key lighting that neatly balances realism and style, while James Newton Howard (Batman Begins, Blood Diamond) contributes an atmospheric, almost ambient, score that plays a big part in setting the mood for the film. Film editor John Gilroy (the director's brother, who previously worked on Narc and First Born) keeps the pacing tight, and the two hour film never once feels padded.
Clooney combines his movie star charisma with a performance from the gut to deliver a strong portrayal of the title character, a man weary of cleaning up the messes of others, whether they're clients or relatives. Clayton seemingly lives on auto-pilot, doing what he does because he doesn't know what else to do. Wilkinson is compelling as the bipolar attorney whose conscience finally gets the best of him, and his manic rants ring with intensity. Swinton is sublime as Karen Crowder, from practicing an interview to chillingly ordering murders in a way that gives her full deniability to what she does in the final scene. Her desperation and ambition are palpable.
This is a well-cast film from top to bottom with good performances by the entire cast, including Sydney Pollack as the ruthless head of the law firm, Michael O'Keefe as one of the firm's partners, Prescott and Serpico as the other fixers, Merritt Wever as a young woman Edens is trying to help, Sean Cullen as Clayton's police officer brother, David Lansbury as Clayton's gambling addict brother, Denis O'Hare as one of Clayton's clients, and Austin Williams as Clayton's young son.
The basic plot of a corporation trying to subvert justice isn't a new one, but writer/director Tony Gilroy finds a fresh approach and plays it out with well-drawn characters, smart dialog, and a great cast. From the very first frame to the very last, I was completely engrossed in the story of Michael Clayton.
[4.5 out of 5 stars]
Despite the unassuming title, this is a smashingly good thriller made with skill and conviction, and sure to garner some Oscar nominations.
Michael Clayton (George Clooney) is a fixer for a prestigious law firm. After the firm's top litigator, Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson), suffers a manic episode and damages an important case, Clayton is called in to clean things up. He learns that Edens was defending a corporation against a class action lawsuit brought over a toxic chemical that killed hundreds of people when his conscience caught up to him, triggering his manic episode. Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton), the corporation's general counsel, hires her own fixers (Robert Prescott, Terry Serpico) of a more deadly kind to ensure that the truth remains buried.
Writer and first time director Tony Gilroy, who previously wrote or co-wrote the screenplays for all three Bourne films, makes an impressive debut at the helm with a smart, character driven thriller that sleekly unfolds like a cleverly planned maze. Several times I thought the film was headed in one direction only to discover it was actually bound for a much different destination. The rhythm of the film is that of a slow burn, but the slower pace serves to heighten the suspense. Instead of relying on numerous action scenes, Gilroy turns to characterization, dialog, and a carefully plotted story to build and sustain interest. It's a throwback to the intelligent thrillers of the 1970s like Three Days of the Condor, and the director of that film (Sydney Pollack) is one of the producers of this film (as well as a member of its cast).
Cinematographer Robert Elswit (Good Night, and Good Luck, Syriana) contributes low key lighting that neatly balances realism and style, while James Newton Howard (Batman Begins, Blood Diamond) contributes an atmospheric, almost ambient, score that plays a big part in setting the mood for the film. Film editor John Gilroy (the director's brother, who previously worked on Narc and First Born) keeps the pacing tight, and the two hour film never once feels padded.
Clooney combines his movie star charisma with a performance from the gut to deliver a strong portrayal of the title character, a man weary of cleaning up the messes of others, whether they're clients or relatives. Clayton seemingly lives on auto-pilot, doing what he does because he doesn't know what else to do. Wilkinson is compelling as the bipolar attorney whose conscience finally gets the best of him, and his manic rants ring with intensity. Swinton is sublime as Karen Crowder, from practicing an interview to chillingly ordering murders in a way that gives her full deniability to what she does in the final scene. Her desperation and ambition are palpable.
This is a well-cast film from top to bottom with good performances by the entire cast, including Sydney Pollack as the ruthless head of the law firm, Michael O'Keefe as one of the firm's partners, Prescott and Serpico as the other fixers, Merritt Wever as a young woman Edens is trying to help, Sean Cullen as Clayton's police officer brother, David Lansbury as Clayton's gambling addict brother, Denis O'Hare as one of Clayton's clients, and Austin Williams as Clayton's young son.
The basic plot of a corporation trying to subvert justice isn't a new one, but writer/director Tony Gilroy finds a fresh approach and plays it out with well-drawn characters, smart dialog, and a great cast. From the very first frame to the very last, I was completely engrossed in the story of Michael Clayton.
[4.5 out of 5 stars]
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