Michael Clayton 2007
With the Oscar nominations announced, Michael Clayton has been re-released to theaters. This was one I wanted to see when it came out, but it was gone before I had a chance. Apparently I wasn’t the only one because the theater was nearly full (mostly an older crowd).
There’s no question this is a good movie full of talented actors yielding Oscar nominations in 3 acting categories along with best picture, director, and screenplay. George Clooney has done this kind of role before, but his character has some major flaws here and isn’t the superman you might expect. As a “fixer” I was expecting him to be like Harvey Keitel’s The Wolf in Pulp Fiction. But he isn’t nearly that good. Instead the portrayal is much more realistic and gives him some needed vulnerability.
This isn’t a pulse-pounding corporate espionage movie so much as it is one of intrigue and mystery with a cast of strong characters. It is more like Erin Brockovich than Oceans Eleven or The Bourne Identity. Ultimately the story is a little underwhelming, but it is fun getting there and has a strong finish. I’ll give this one an A and hope that it wins for Best Picture.
Written: 04 Feb 2008
Owned on: Digital