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Michael Clayton

Michael Clayton

2007
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
1h 59m
Michael Clayton (George Clooney) is an in-house "fixer" at one of the largest corporate law firms in New York. At the behest of the firm's co-founder Marty Bach, Clayton, a former prosecutor from a family of cops, takes care of Kenner, Bach & Ledeen's dirtiest work. Clayton cleans up clients' messes, handling anything from hit-and-runs and damaging stories in the press to shoplifting wives and crooked politicians... (imdb)
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Michael Clayton

2007
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
1h 59m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 57.43% from 4748 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(4748)
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Rated 14 Oct 2007
94
97th
A fantastic film with Clooney giving what could certainly be considered his best performance yet. A "what if" about an attorney that goes off his medication and has a crisis of conscience. Clayton, a "fixer" for the law firm is called in to resolve the issue. Every character is fleshed out but not spelled out. If you're looking for an obvious "why's he doing that?" you won't find it. But, if you pay attention hard enough, this is one of the best films of 2007. As well the credits are brillant.
Rated 19 Oct 2007
75
67th
George Clooney, a powerhouse star as the title character of Tony Gilroy's directorial debut, excels in another familiar legal thriller about a water supply scandal. Reminding us of "Erin Brockovich" and "A Civil Action," the story moves at a slower pace than either of those films, but the performances from Clooney, Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton are all Oscar worthy. The film garners speed and slam dunks in the final reel, but up until then it really paces itself, but it's still darn good.
Rated 08 Jul 2010
30
11th
George Clooney seems to make a living strolling through mediocre pictures which use cheap plot structure and direction tricks to fool the audience into thinking they're watching something much more intelligent. Clayton requires concentration but ultimately your effort is unrewarded: slow moving and dull, it doesn't even provide any real emotional connection to any of the characters. Has been compared to Erin Brockovich and The Insider, but the story here is far too empty.
Rated 04 Dec 2007
89
93rd
En excellent debut from Tony Gillroy. Clooney, Swinton & Wilkinson rock. One of the best thriller in years. It's modest, but demanding.
Rated 26 Apr 2009
82
81st
Surprisingly unboring. Not boring? The story wasnt anything special, but it kept me interested enough to want to see what happened next, and George Clooney gave a very convincing performance. It doesn't surprise or awe or even keep you on the edge of your seat or biting your nails, but it does everything very well, and is one of the top movies in this genre because of that.
Rated 06 Feb 2008
77
78th
Everything's here to make this a good movie, even though I don't usually go for legal thrillers. The acting is great, especially from Clooney and Wilkinson, its a great script, and it's suspenseful and intriguing throughout. It's just a solid movie with several scenes that just stick out as phenomenally well done. The opening monologue grabs you and the intrigue of the plot holds you until the satisfying conclusion. Better than expected.
Rated 25 Jan 2008
85
87th
Keeps your eyes locked in the screen and your mind working intensly.
Rated 27 Jan 2009
89
90th
Wilkinson's opening monologue grabs you by the throat and Gilroy's debut film doesn't let you go until Clooney's in a taxi as the credits roll. The four leads turn in exemplary work: Clooney is the best he's ever been, Wilkinson is unshakeable and Swinton plays the bitch so well. The lasting image is of three muzzled horses, fixed in place atop a hill in the middle of an open field. It's not a subtle metaphor, but it is impactful. With Bourne under his belt, and now this, Gilroy is one to watch.
Rated 13 Sep 2016
74
54th
aw fuck here comes michael clayton man. michael clayton is here to tear shit up. michael clayton is looking at books and he doesn't look too happy. michael clayton drives his mercedes up to the crime place and he brought his boring ass son with him, that's fucked up man. he might not give a shit but maybe he secretly does? i give this four stars out of six.
Rated 13 Oct 2007
4
70th
Exposes the seedy underbelly of corporatism in a somber yet thrilling manner.
Rated 18 Sep 2008
3
45th
A very intelligent, well-written thriller. The movie starts off on a high note, but it does drag a bit for parts of the middle. Eventually things come full circle and some big twists come to light, and the film redeems its own bit of tediousness. George Clooney is very good as the title character, but Tom Wilkinson is even better. I'm not sure about the extent to which this movie has been praised, but it is good.
Rated 27 Feb 2008
89
82nd
A little confusing at first but when I pieced it together I enjoyed the film.
Rated 04 Mar 2008
96
87th
The acting in this movie is astounding.
Rated 30 Jun 2009
92
92nd
One of the few American studio movies made the last 10 years that has enough depth to make 10 views necessary. Too bad Tony Gilroy couldn't keep his momentum going.
Rated 25 Jun 2008
66
49th
The performances are there, but the story really isn't. Nothing stands out about this film, but it is watchable and not terribly executed.
Rated 20 Nov 2009
70
41st
It seemed like nothing special when I saw it. It was really just an average thriller with superb acting. Clooney and Swinton are really hot right now.
Rated 11 Oct 2007
50
29th
Great performances aside, the story and characters are flat and predictable. The ending is one of those "only in the movies" endings that, in a movie that takes itself so seriously, demonstrates just how immature the movie is.
Rated 14 Oct 2007
88
81st
Michael Clayton is a smart, taught thriller from the writer of the Bourne series, and it's equally as thrilling but in different ways. The story is excellently crafted and gets you very wrapped up in what's going on and who's doing what. Michael Clayton finishes with a bang and leaves you fulfilled completely. It's one of the year's best and hopefully come Oscar season it will get the attention it deserves.
Rated 19 Apr 2011
35
25th
A reasonably interesting film considering it's a dull legal story. The pace does drag in the first half, but picks up toward the end. Good cinematography, good performance from Clooney. However there are too many irrelevant shots and scenes which could have been cut to get this down to 90 minutes. Most of the film is quite boring, and the ending--which lacks motivation-- only seems interesting because so little happens in the rest of the film.
Rated 20 Feb 2008
85
90th
Doesn't resort to some of the trickery or cliches that a lot of thrillers do. What you see is what you get. Clayton struggles with a lifetime's worth of problems over the span of a few days, and his journey makes us reflect on the choices we all make throughout our lives.
Rated 21 Oct 2007
91
87th
Edge of your seat, all the way. This is one of the few times I really like George Clooney, and Tom Wilkinson is as great as ever. Worth paying money to see.
Rated 04 Jul 2012
50
43rd
Some very good scenes early on mislead the viewer into believing this will be more interesting and less conventional than it turns out to be. Even the wit dries up (but perhaps that's as instructed in some screenwriting manual somewhere, as we are meant to be drawn into the "seriousness" of the "drama") long before the decidedly ho-hum final sting. Claims by some of laudable "realism" are patently false. In some senses a missed chance: surely more Pollack couldn't have hurt.
Rated 09 Jan 2008
83
80th
Clooney gives a remarkable performance, possibly the best of his career. The story is a little slow paced but the cinematography is high caliber. One of the 07's better films.
Rated 19 Feb 2008
90
91st
great drama. george at his best
Rated 11 Feb 2008
80
83rd
Gilroy shows great promise as director. Clooney and Wilkinson do their parts convincingly but Swinton got her Oscar nod a bit too easily from such a small part. In the end Michael Clayton is a solid thriller with every aspect of it done really well.
Rated 23 Mar 2009
60
27th
Absolutely average script with little flash and little bang. Incoherent mess with a few stellar performances and well put together scenes.
Rated 17 Jun 2012
64
48th
A romantic portrayal of conscience emerging within a law firm defending the indefensible. A large burden is carried by Clooney's inherent likeability, but the plotlines become very silly. Tilda Swindon's exaggerated anxiety, and the absurd car-bomb sequence, spoil what might have been an adequate but conventional thriller.
Rated 27 Nov 2009
8
78th
(2nd viewing) It'll probably never reach me on a gut level but this is a damn fine thriller from first time director Gilroy. The story made me think of The Insider, equally compelling in its writing and performances, and failed to bore me for a single second. You should check out ‘State of Play' by Gilroy if you liked this one.
Rated 26 Feb 2008
85
75th
Excellent performances all round - great film
Rated 06 Dec 2008
91
94th
Tightly made psych thriller with top acting all around. The intensity, pathology, and personal cost of the amoral corporate rat race in your face. Should have swept the Oscars.
Rated 11 Feb 2008
84
83rd
Well made thriller all around. Gilroy's script has a certain "Bourne" - feel to it and his directing is good for a debute. Oscar for Swinton what?
Rated 23 Oct 2007
90
66th
Some of the best performances I've seen in any film. The unorthodox story, which is never explained all at once, is really complemented by Clooney, but most of all, Wilkinson.
Rated 07 Jul 2008
98
82nd
A fantastic, well acted, little thriller which sounds like a John Grissom thriller; but without all the courtroom dick swinging contests and associated boredom. George Clooney is Michael Clayton, a lawyer/fixer charged with investigating a colleague who goes nuts and threatens to lose a million dolllar settlement case...it's not as routine as it sounds.
Rated 03 Dec 2008
79
67th
This movie picked up in the final thirty minutes or so, to have a pretty cool ending. The problem was that the middle was confusing, and I am willing to bet that if the middle was a little clearer then the ending would have packed an even bigger punch. My date did not like it at all stating "This movie makes no sense. What is going on? I am going to sleep." Due to my obligations to my fans I could not do the same.
Rated 08 Mar 2008
95
88th
Blockbuster ordered fewer copies of this film than other Oscar contenders because they said it was similar to Syriana and they didn't see high rental rates for that film. Well, they're right and wrong. This is similar to Syriana in that it's thought-provoking & has George Clooney. But they're wrong because this is a better film than Syriana (which was quite good) and I think this has wider appeal. This is not politically-based but power-based, and is well acted with great character development.
Rated 22 Apr 2008
55
67th
Well-acted, tight, but sort of uninteresting and flavorless. You might like it.
Rated 28 Feb 2008
86
73rd
George Clooney definately the best. And looking out for the further work of Gilroy.
Rated 04 Feb 2008
55
41st
Should be assisted with care, therefore, to understand its confusing script, all attention is little. Clooney is very well here.
Rated 18 Mar 2008
85
87th
A corporate/legal thriller that' not at all about corporations and lawsuits. The real question is Are you still a human being?
Rated 14 Jul 2008
85
77th
Effectively written and paced mystery. What I love most is that we know nothing that the protagonist doesn't know. When Michael is enlightened, so are we. None of this BS of us knowing the major twist and sitting around bored while the lead figures it out.
Rated 25 Jul 2010
91
76th
George Clooney delivers his best performance yet in this pulsequickening thriller
Rated 18 Jan 2008
75
44th
I liked the performances and the film as a whole but it felt both a little slow and somewhat underdeveloped.
Rated 13 Apr 2008
78
84th
Such comprehensive reviews have been written on this movie that I don't dare try to say anything new. Michale Clayton is George Clooney/George Clooney is Michael Clayton.
Rated 06 Jan 2008
85
58th
This is a very good movie, but unfortunately pales compared to about 15 other GREAT films of 2007...
Rated 08 Sep 2009
60
35th
Oddly edited film with subpar performances throughout. Wilkinson, however, is a revelation. Scenes give great impact. Story is smart at times.
Rated 27 Apr 2009
91
89th
One of the stronger movies of 2007 with an amazing performance from George Clooney and also Tom Wilkinson.
Rated 02 Mar 2008
82
80th
Fairly standard thriller, plot-wise. Clooney and Swinton are both very good.
Rated 22 Sep 2010
70
79th
Excellent work from all.
Rated 21 Apr 2008
65
72nd
Solid but nothing special, just something that wouldn't happen in real life, he'd be dead i guess
Rated 02 Feb 2008
85
88th
A fine thriller with some performances that are better than expected. However, the film is slightly overrated. It's not much more than the average legal mystery, but it is elevated by some sharp writing, the presence of George Clooney, a multi-layered performance from Tilda Swinton, and some exceptional work from Tom Wilkinson.
Rated 21 Apr 2008
86
95th
An excellent film, unfortunately trampled by the competition.
Rated 03 Sep 2009
60
47th
this movie was a letdown for me. not that i expected anything going into it, but by the end of the film, i really didnt feel that any of the characters made me feel a certain way. i guess we were meant to like clooney's character, but i didnt.
Rated 26 Feb 2009
18
51st
Unnecessarily confusing.
Rated 13 Nov 2007
1
3rd
I fell asleep TWICE during this movie and I have never fallen asleep during a movie before. The best part about it was the last 15 minutes. Otherwise, it was much too slow for my husband and me.
Rated 28 Mar 2011
85
93rd
The definition of a fantastic ensemble cast, Michael Clayton takes Tony Gilroy behind the camera in his directorial debut after a series of fantastic screenplays. Clayton drives award worthy performances from Tilda Swinton and Tom Wilkinson and keeps viewers glued to their seat with a complex character study disguising as a taut thriller. The monumental final confrontation of Clooney and Swinton makes every minute prior worthwhile.
Rated 05 Aug 2011
72
48th
Wanted to like it, but it was a bit thin.
Rated 08 Jan 2012
3
9th
A not very entertaining nor compelling movie with a basic plot that's been literally done a thousand times before.
Rated 28 Oct 2013
60
6th
What a lame duck. I cannot see what there is to like in this picture. Seems it is all about building up impalpable tension through mystery and subterfuge. Call me stupid but the exposition of the narrative was far too abstruse for me to fully realise what was going on or why I should care about the characters. With the subtleties going over my head and the characters bypassing my heart, there was nothing else to cling to in Gilroy's dark, cold, soulless vision of corporate shenanigans. Zzz.
Rated 15 Oct 2008
70
16th
Good movie, but the story telling is quite slow. Clooney gives a great performance as does Tom Wilkinson. Considering Tilda Swinton is on screen for less than 10 minutes I can't understand how she could possibly deserve an Oscar.
Rated 02 Jan 2018
79
78th
Intelligent deliberately paced thriller with excellent performances from Clooney, Swinton and Wilkinson.
Rated 14 Nov 2008
84
46th
A remarkably entertaining thriller. From the outset, the film captivates the audience with a fast-paced monologue, compliments of Tom Wilkinson moment of clarity. Methodically cerebral and passionately engaging, the film not only rests on the strength of its plot, but also the strong character developments. Nevertheless, tediousness near the middle becomes apparent and losses some traction for awhile; and coupled with several themes director Gilroy tries desperately to eat more than his fill.
Rated 13 Feb 2009
3
74th
Good legal thriller--something's very convincing and real about Clayton. Recommended.
Rated 14 Oct 2007
77
36th
It drags a bit but it's still very good. Wilkinson outshines Clooney (who is also terrific) and the suspense is certainly there. An intelligent, fascinating film.
Rated 13 Apr 2009
65
38th
Very dark.
Rated 07 Jun 2011
91
90th
An all-around underrated and intense film.
Rated 06 Oct 2012
34
47th
Great ending, but slow in many spots, but I think it is probably Clooney's third best film after Ocean's 11 and Up in the Air.
Rated 31 Jul 2009
80
84th
Engaging and very entertaining drama/thriller. I enjoyed this an awful lot as very simply it does very little wrong. Clooney and Swinton are in particular both excellent, and the clean cut and effective storyline is backed up with a very snappy script. Recommended.
Rated 14 Sep 2009
80
48th
The outstanding performances and the underlying notions of mystique (...or spirituality even?) save this movie from being just "meh". The overall plot is not that special, really, and the tension sort of sags a bit in the middle, but the overarching structure is intriguing, with a very satisfying conclusion.
Rated 28 Jun 2012
90
39th
If you like Tilda Swinton, it's a must see. One of the more unusual villains I've ever seen in a movie: the nervous, sweaty, self-esteem-lacking wreck of a villain. Hypnotizing in her novelty.
Rated 09 Sep 2012
73
38th
One of those movies that bets it all on the ending. Doesnt mean the 90% of it is boring and of no interest
Rated 01 Jul 2015
68
44th
A fine finale saves the bore.
Rated 18 May 2008
7
68th
I have no idea how Tilda Swinton won an Oscar for looking concerned in every scene but whatever. I realize this is a thriller and all but the crappy score really took me out of some scenes. Saved by another amazing Wilkinson performance and Clooney was also surprisingly good. The writing is top notch as well.
Rated 06 Jun 2009
67
21st
It was okay, sort of boring though.
Rated 25 Feb 2008
68
60th
A tight, well-acted, well-paced thriller that unfortunately feels slightly off. Clooney, Swinton, and especially Wilkenson are exceptional, bringing weighty, nuanced performances to their roles. If there's a shortcoming here, it's perhaps the too straightforward plot. Clayton's moral crisis, heavily shaded by familial circumstances feels a bit too contrived here. Overall a very good film that falls just short of greatness.
Rated 18 Apr 2008
60
29th
this movie was very bland for me. I didn't like where the movie ended after all of the build up and suspense and so forth. and really, was there anyone in this film that I was supposed to attach myself to? I just didn't care for this one. I kind of wanted to love this, after seeing the reviews, but I did not.
Rated 10 Mar 2012
85
91st
I thought this was pretty thrilling. I certainly was never bored. The story is pretty good and the acting is good. Clooney was good, but Wilkinson stole the show. I can't believe Swinton won an oscar for this. Good debut for Gilroy.
Rated 31 Jan 2017
65
64th
lawyers are corrupt and bad, but we also need them. really makes you think!! hugely disappointing after the opening monologue and first 10 minutes, which were incredible
Rated 11 May 2011
64
22nd
Nice idea, but could have been more of a savage satire.
Rated 04 Sep 2016
67
61st
This is one of those crime movies that really gets into it's gritty details. Worth watching.
Rated 13 Nov 2017
86
72nd
BACK-FILLING LOAD OF FILMS NOT SEEN FOR A LONG TIME -> Recall/Scores may be 20-30% off. Not at all offended, grateful actually, if U want 2 drop me a cordial msg if think memory dulled a gem or gave a rosy tint to clunker. IE. Tell me WHY Im wrong & what U think I should score. Love film chat/debate|
Rated 13 Jul 2012
81
72nd
Michael Clayton is one of the most sharply scripted films of 2007, with an engrossing premise and faultless acting. Director Tony Gilroy succeeds not only in capturing the audience's attention, but holding it until the credits roll.
Rated 26 Oct 2012
72
63rd
* Casting, Acting : 7 * Script : 7 * Directing, Aura : 7 * Ease of Viewing : 8 * Naked Eye : 7
Rated 04 Dec 2014
75
57th
An incredibly solid film, both in writing and direction, that ultimately fails to bring anything worthwhile to your living room. A fine, yet forgettable experience.
Rated 06 Aug 2008
51
7th
Alright- so maybe I'm not mature enough to understand what's going on. And maybe I'm not mature enough to appreciate this movie. But whatever, didn't like it. I found it just plain confusing and it seemed more like a random series of events put together if anything.
Rated 18 Nov 2009
89
53rd
Michael Clayton is as solid a legal thriller as you'll find.
Rated 27 Jul 2010
80
88th
Tony Gilroy excels in both the exquisite direction and the sharp writing. "Michael Clayton" is atmospheric, taut, magnificently scored and features an excellent performance from Tom Wilkinson. The plot tends to be a little all over the place at times but everything comes together for a suitably understated yet emotionally powerful finale.
Rated 05 Oct 2011
77
53rd
Good movie. The normcore people will turn it into what they call a "masterpiece."
Rated 01 Nov 2014
30
17th
Hey look at this there's a film written and directed by the man who wrote the Bourne films. Sounds good to me. Then I try to watch it and all I get is yak yak yak. I get the feeling this is supposed to be clever writing but it just feels turgid and empty
Rated 03 Nov 2008
40
0th
I can't finish
Rated 22 Dec 2011
79
77th
This is a good movie. Tom Wilkinson steals this movie with a great supporting performance. Tilda Swinton is also very good here. I would have liked to have seen George Clooney's character make a different decision at the end of the film.
Rated 14 Feb 2008
81
83rd
The beginning monologue is brilliant.
Rated 20 Dec 2007
50
34th
bah bah. i am george clooney. grrr
Rated 11 Apr 2008
78
27th
Took too long to get to the point, it should be two movies (except that there isn't enough of anything enthralling in the first half to make people come back). Way too much build up for a climax that was unremarkable.
Rated 23 Jan 2010
5
56th
It kept my interest, but as far as conspiracy thrillers go, this is pretty standard and therefore not very memorable.
Rated 08 Oct 2011
70
9th
An insightful perspective into the complex, at times melancholic essence of corporations and whether they value humans as flesh, or more simply a commodity consumed when necessary and ridden off when unneeded. The script should have been polished further and the writing is a bit all over the place. The acting is without doubt the highpoint.
Rated 19 Mar 2009
88
92nd
Horses.
Rated 31 Dec 2007
60
58th
An interesting unfolding of difficult characters. Really like the end credits.
Rated 13 Apr 2008
88
77th
Quite simple story, but great atmosphere, great acting and great directing.
Rated 28 Jun 2010
98
96th
The first time I saw this film I thought it was okay and never planned on watching it again. Well I ended up watching it again and was surprised how much more it dug it's claws into me. I've now seen this movie a dozen time and each time it seems to compel me more and more. I can't even explain it. Every time I just appreciate the little nuances and the small meanings of things. I appreciate the subtlety and grace in which the story is told. It's an amazing film.
Rated 21 Oct 2010
25
61st
"There's sincerity in Gilroy's belief in man's aptitude for recognizing the error of his ways, as well as in his acknowledgement that realignments of one's moral compass often require great application." - Nick Schager

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