2008 Woodie Awards
Now Playing: Michael Clayton
James Meece
Issue date: 11/2/07 Section: Features
Tinda Swilton who does a great job of playing Karen Crowder, the head legal council for the company, who will stop at nothing to make sure she wins, is then introduced into the film as a major character. She is a lot like Clayton in the sense that she is very much a tool of the corporation around her and is aware of it. Also her and Clayton will both do anything to get ahead and win.
Throughout the film we also get background information on Clayton's personal life. We learn about his brother drug addicted brother who has left him high and dry on the bar they went in on, thus causing him to owe all the money. We also see his other brother, who is a New York City cop. Overall first time director Tony Gilroy gives the audience a full perspective of Clayton.
The real amazing thing about the film is how all the actors seem to work together to create an intensity that is felt throughout the film. With a slightly different cast, this film might not have worked, but Gilroy made the right choices. When Clayton and Edens are talking, the audience really feels like they could be actual co workers. The mix of Clooney, Wilkinson, Swinton, as well as the always great Sydney Pollack, who portrays Clayton's boss is one that will never leave the audience bored.
From the beginning to the end audiences will be entranced by Michael Clayton. There never seems to be a moment where it drags, or does not seem like it is going anywhere. This is where it surpasses most of its predecessors in the business thriller genre. Audiences will never be wondering when the movie is going to end, they will be to entranced about the journey there.
Overall Clayton offers a tour de force that most movies lately have been missing. It is fast paced, and moves flawlessly throughout the story. It is the same typical plot that audiences have seen before of the evil corporation trying to suppress information, but because of the style, the audience does not care. Clayton seems to take a typical plot and change it so suddenly we are interested in what something we have seen a million times. Overall, as far as Oscar movies go, Clayton will probably be a big contender, it has everything from a great story to an even greater cast. This film should not be missed.
Throughout the film we also get background information on Clayton's personal life. We learn about his brother drug addicted brother who has left him high and dry on the bar they went in on, thus causing him to owe all the money. We also see his other brother, who is a New York City cop. Overall first time director Tony Gilroy gives the audience a full perspective of Clayton.
The real amazing thing about the film is how all the actors seem to work together to create an intensity that is felt throughout the film. With a slightly different cast, this film might not have worked, but Gilroy made the right choices. When Clayton and Edens are talking, the audience really feels like they could be actual co workers. The mix of Clooney, Wilkinson, Swinton, as well as the always great Sydney Pollack, who portrays Clayton's boss is one that will never leave the audience bored.
From the beginning to the end audiences will be entranced by Michael Clayton. There never seems to be a moment where it drags, or does not seem like it is going anywhere. This is where it surpasses most of its predecessors in the business thriller genre. Audiences will never be wondering when the movie is going to end, they will be to entranced about the journey there.
Overall Clayton offers a tour de force that most movies lately have been missing. It is fast paced, and moves flawlessly throughout the story. It is the same typical plot that audiences have seen before of the evil corporation trying to suppress information, but because of the style, the audience does not care. Clayton seems to take a typical plot and change it so suddenly we are interested in what something we have seen a million times. Overall, as far as Oscar movies go, Clayton will probably be a big contender, it has everything from a great story to an even greater cast. This film should not be missed.
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