Michael Clayton, released in theaters on October 5, 2007, is a taut, morally complex legal thriller headlined by George Clooney in one of his most quietly gripping performances. The film delves deep into the murky world of corporate law, fixing, and the personal cost of serving power.
Clayton (Clooney) is a “fixer” for a prestigious New York law firm, quietly cleaning up the messes of wealthy clients and keeping scandals at bay.
With no official title and a personal life in shambles, he’s summoned to handle an escalating crisis after top litigator Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson) suffers a manic breakdown.
Edens, deep into defending U-North—a conglomerate facing billions in damages for producing a deadly weed killer—has come into possession of an incriminating memo and shows signs he may switch sides.
Clayton maneuvers between legalese, office politics, and dangerous secrets, while U-North’s general counsel, Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton), begins a ruthless cover-up.
As murders are staged as suicides, police become involved, and the stakes move from careers to lives. Michael’s world grows ever more precarious as he discovers just how far the corporation—and his own firm—will go to protect profit and reputation.
In a tense race against time, Clayton must choose between loyalty, self-preservation, and the pursuit of truth.
George Clooney in Michael Clayton (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Performances and Craft
Clooney offers a nuanced, understated take on a character haunted by regret and doubt, making Clayton both relatable and enigmatic.
Wilkinson excels as the tormented Arthur.
Swinton’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Karen Crowder infuses chilling vulnerability into corporate ruthlessness.
Sydney Pollack lends authority and gravity as Clayton’s boss.
Michael O’Keefe, Ken Howard and Denis O’Hare round out the cast.
Tony Gilroy’s direction favors subtlety over melodrama, using measured pacing, atmospheric cinematography, and psychological realism to amplify suspense.
Reception for Michael Clayton
Michael Clayton grossed $719,910 on its opening weekend, finishing 21st at the box office in limited release of 15 screens. The film would go into wide release the following weekend, grossing $10.4 million and finishing fourth at the box office.
The film would gross $93 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave the film four out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Michael Clayton stands as one of the era’s most intelligent thrillers and its mature treatment of ethics, power, and compromise set a new standard for legal drama, and its sharp script and performances continue to resonate with viewers and filmmakers alike.
Years on, the film remains a masterclass in adult suspense—an incisive look at the high cost of truth amid the world’s most powerful institutions.
