Michael Clayton [2007] | ![Michael Clayton [2007]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51sehSA2r6L._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Director: Tony Gilroy
Actors: George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, Sydney Pollack
Studio: Pathe Distribution
Category: DVD
List Price: £19.99
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Rating:  63 reviews
Sales Rank: 30
Format: Pal
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region: 2
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 115 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6
EAN: 5060002835838
ASIN: B000ZN63S0
Theatrical Release Date: 2007
Release Date: February 18, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
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Amazon.co.uk Review
George Clooney already has one acting Oscar to his name, and it's unsurprising that immediately after the release of Michael Clayton, there were many arguing he was deserving of a second. For without a doubt, as impressive as the film is, it's very much Clooney who powers this one forward. Written and directed by Tony Gilroy, who previously adapted the Bourne movies for the big screen, Clooney takes the title role as a lawyer who goes in to do the jobs that, bluntly, nobody else wants to know about. And before long, Clooney discovers a cover-up that proves to be a mighty challenge to uncover, and one the inevitably conflicts him as a result. Aided by a superb supporting cast that includes the likes of Sydney Pollack, Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton at its best is a tense and effective thriller, written and directed steadfastly well by Gilroy. It's not without a few problems, most notably a comparably weak conclusion and one or two underdeveloped characters. But it's still a worthwhile film, and very much worth seeking out to simply enjoy a terrific performance from a Hollywood leading man who absolutely refuses to shy away from edgier roles. Long may he continue to do so. --Jon Foster
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| Customer Reviews: Read 58 more reviews...
 utter rubbish July 21, 2008
Peter Skellen (Brussels)
Ok there are some slow moving films that build up to something and are intriguing and enjoyable overall but this is just awful tedious rubbish. I would rather watch paint dry than this. It has to be the biggest letdown of the year and one of the worst films I have ever seen.
 It would appear from the number of reviews that people like it! July 17, 2008
gozeat (Northampton)
It is simply a great film. Fanatastic script, wonderful acting, thrilling story, brilliantly filmed and directed. That is all that needs to be said.
 Cant believe people gave it 4 or 5 stars! July 14, 2008
BOOK BOY (USA)
I'm at a loss to find a reason why this film would warrant 4 or 5 stars, unless this is laidies voting for Clooney's looks.
An average film that has some surprising moments and some fair scenes, but really I can say it's not outstanding or highly entertaining.
 Well-Constructed Corporate malpractice drama with notable acting performances July 11, 2008
Mr. Laurence Williams (UK)
Whilst the plot of this film may not necessarily break new ground, the way it develops on-screen makes it very watchable and thought provoking.
Contrary to others, I don't think it is about corruption since I think that has a foundation in bribery; this story is essentially about corporate malpractice in the form of a company knowingly doing wrong and trying to cover it up when sued by the victims (as in the film 'Erin Brockovich').
The overall story is not that complicated and progresses without any great explanation or 'spoon-feeding' summarisations by the characters. Things develop in short scenes from the viewpoint of each person/group involved, so the viewer can only slowly piece together what is happening until the dramatic climax (although I found it a bit predictable).
Most importantly, there are a lot of very dramatic 'flashback' scenes to help improve the 'mystery'....
What really makes this film stand out though are the acting performances which are, with one exception, excellent and really help to make us believe in what happens.
George Clooney has never been better (although his characterisation is a bit too like the person he plays in the film 'Syriana) and Tilda Swinton beautifully portrays a haunted business executive (she won the supporting actress Oscar and BAFTA). Tom Wilkinson has a significant part in this film but, unfortunately, his poor American accent (as in 'Batman Begins') failed to make his character convincing for me.
If you like your films to be mystery/drama-heavy you will love this film.
The DVD picture and sound are excellent.
*** Do note that the Amazon DVD specs are incomplete - There is an audio commentary by the Director/Film Editor and several deleted scenes (with optional commentary) !
Clooney at his best June 29, 2008
Mr. Rwj Nixon
I don't know what it is about George Clooney, but the man seems to be as conflicted as some of the characters he plays when it comes to his movie roles. On the one hand he can deliver likeable if somewhat light weight roles such as those in the shallow series of crowd pleasers known as the Oceans movies, and on the other he can give us some heavy weight fare, such as Good Night and Good Luck, and this particularly fine piece of modern cinema.
Michael Clayton (Clooney, obviously) is what is known as the "fixer" for an upmarket law firm, the man the firm turns to when they have a problem that they need sorting out discreetly. However, Michael is not without his problems, including a gambling habit, a failing restaurant, and a brother who owes a lot of money to some unsavoury characters. On top of all his problems, Michael is about to be faced with another, even bigger problem when he discovers that the firms top lawyer Arthur Edens (a performance out of the top drawer by Tom Wilkinson) has suffered a severe breakdown. That this breakdown puts in jeopardy the multi-million dollar lawsuit he was working on for agro-chemical firm is made abundantly clear, as is the fact that Edens breakdown was probably caused by his guilt at having to defend a company that is almost certainly in the wrong (witness Edens simply amazing speech). What is also made clear to us is that Michael is obviously as conflicted as Edens about having to sort this problem out, sympathising as he does with Edens position (the two men are clearly old friends) and having to do his firms dirty work. On top of all this is Karen Crowder (another great performance from Tilda Swinton) the agro-chemical companies CEO who wants this problem sorted out before anymore damage is done, and will stop at nothing in order to protect her company, and by default herself.
Written and directed by Tony Gilroy, who previously did such a good job with the screenplays for the Bourne movies, this is an intelligent drama that is something of a slow burner but more than rewards the viewer with some of the finest performances I have seen in a long time. Wilkinson is superb as the guilt ridden Edens who's breakdown continues as the film unwinds, and Swinton portrays Crowder as a character who attempts to ooze charm and confidence, but is actually anything but. But this is Clooneys movie, and he rises to the occasion admirably, turning in a performance with all the edginess that he brought to Syriana, and rightly garnered him an oscar nomination. Whilst the ending may be a little to formulaic for some, it does not detract from what is a fine piece thought provoking cinema.
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