Michael Clayton

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Michael Clayton (Clooney) is a "fixer" at a prestigious corporate New York law firm, where he cleans up legal messes for his employer's highest-profile clients. When a senior attorney (Wilkinson) at the same firm puts a high profile case in jeopardy on the eve of a multi-billion dollar lawsuit settlement, everyone's job and reputation is on the line, and Michael is the one who must clean up the mess, whilst simultaneously dealing with his own personal problems. Michael Clayton marks another impressive and surprisingly subdued turn from George Clooney, who continues to show notable range for someone who was branded a one-note television star nigh on a decade ago. Initially somewhat confusing as to where its focus will fall, Clayton moulds itself into shape about a third of the way in, and excels ostensibly as a smart legal thriller that John Grisham would have soiled himself to pen. First-time director Tony Gilroy (scripter of all three Bourne movies) maintains a consistent, slightly sombre tone throughout, which sits comfortably with a subtle-turn Clooney, and bravado hysterics from supporting player Tom Wilkinson (as the senior partner who's a few strawberries short of a fruit smoothie). Refusing to pander to its viewer, and spell out characters motivations or cut corners for the sake of swift pacing, Michael Clayton takes its time and unfolds with confidence. It will however, not be to everyone's taste; if you go into your local multiplex expecting a Grisham or Fracture-like game of cat and mouse, you will be disappointed as this is not a soapbox for anyone to showboat. It is closer in tone and narrative progression to The Insider (if a somewhat more pragmatically shot version of Michael Mann's underrated masterpiece). Fans of the daring latter work of Clooney will eat this up, as another risky role for the actor/produceris pulled off with much aplomb; while Gilroy makes an assured debut as a feature director, and proves himself as one to watch.

Director: Tony Gilroy.

Starring: George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Sydney Pollack, Tilda Swinton.

Details: USA / 119 mins / 15A