60 out of 61 people found the following review helpful:
It's a Mad World
A Customer from Hove, UK,
28th September, 2007
I would see anything with George in it - thus I guess I must put my hands up to being one of those afore-mentioned die-hard fans - but seriously, even if you have no wish to make such a claim for yourself, you should see this film. It takes a look at the pretty sinister realities of living in a world ruled by corporate lies and propoganda, through the eyes of lawyer Michael Clayton, the man who can 'fix anything' for the big boys. His character is subject less to a great life-changing revelation about 'doing the right thing' - he always knew what that was and had made his choices - but essentially realises that when pushed into a corner he has no option but to slip from one side of the fence to the other in order to save his life - and if he saves his soul too - well, that's good too. I love the fact that while there is a terrifying truth at stake (we are all being poisioned by agrochemicals), in the midst of this machinery there are no black-hatted villains, no knights in shining armour, but mostly flawed people who have sacrificed their moral compass for career success and to conform to the American Dream. This, brought into sharp relief by the spontaenous ramblings of a top lawyer off his meds who late in the day decides to take on the world. This is the catalyst that forces every player to decide who they really are and where they stand. Beyond the story-telling and dynamics, there are some lovely visual moments - George communing with the horses on the hill-top, Tilda Swinton going through the motions of laying her business garb out on the bed like so-much professional armour. And finally the acting. I've read comments that George may not be the 'greatest' actor - I think it's a mistake to think of his performances here and in general in these terms. He is always so compellingly watchable - time and again he hits the right note with class and intelligence and feeling. But what is also impressive about Clooney is the manner in which he aligns himself with the best actors and directors and ideas in the business. He is an actor and film-maker of great integrity and ultimately that is what Michael Clayton is all about.
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