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Michael Clayton

Play trailer Poster for Michael Clayton R Released Oct 12, 2007 2h 0m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 203 Reviews 69% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Former prosecutor Michael Clayton (George Clooney) works as a "fixer" at the corporate law firm of Kenner, Bach and Ledeen, and takes care of his employer's dirty work. Burned out and deep in debt, he is bound tightly to the firm. Clayton faces the biggest challenge of his career when a guilt-ridden attorney (Tom Wilkinson) has a breakdown during a huge class-action lawsuit.
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Michael Clayton

Michael Clayton

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Critics Consensus

Michael Clayton is one of the most sharply scripted films of 2007, with an engrossing premise and faultless acting. Director Tony Gilroy succeeds not only in capturing the audience's attention, but holding it until the credits roll.

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Critics Reviews

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David Fear Blender There is a lot to admire in [Michael Clayton] regarding corruption and personal responsibility. You may, however, want to cut out before [the end]. Sep 8, 2023 Full Review Deborah Ross The Spectator The storytelling is so good I simply got caught up, and, as for George, he is seriously, seriously good... Here, his performance is passionate, subtle and right on the money. Aug 23, 2018 Full Review Ben Kenigsberg Time Out Rated: 4/5 Nov 18, 2011 Full Review Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight Michael Clayton has an important story to tell, but is sometimes overly stifling in its stuffy pretenses. Rated: 3/4 Oct 10, 2023 Full Review Joanne Laurier World Socialist Web Site The multifaceted pieces of the film are well orchestrated and the performances strong, although the movie's beginning is somewhat chaotic. Mar 5, 2021 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins This is Clooney at his brooding best, in a solid drama with an ending as explosive as its beginning. Rated: 7/10 Nov 26, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Tony S I wish what happened in this movie happened more in real life. I company's products kills hundreds of people, they are, of course, lawyered up to the hilt. Watch the movie to see how it ends. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/16/25 Full Review Larry S Clooney was excellent and love the ending. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/15/25 Full Review Alain E An excellent story about how the system works and how on rare occasions justice comes on top. Very strong performances from the four main characters. Generally speaking, no outlandish situations. Clooney plays the fixer attorney, divorced and with a gambling problem, who when he encounters massive evil decides to fight it. Tilda Swinton is the corporate tool, despite some moments that show that she is aware of the dynamics. The unforgettable Tom Wilkinson is the inside man, who is crazy enough to side with the little guys. Finally, Sydney Pollack is the law firm managing partner whose moral code translates into bank statements. The narrative employs an element of deja vu in the opening scene which replays when we understand better what is going on. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/12/25 Full Review Audience Member The acting in this film is fantastic with George Clooney leading the way. Even the characters with small parts were really good. I had low expectations due to the subject matter but was pleasantly surprised. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/25/25 Full Review David T A story for today students and clever handsome scenes. No sleepwalking in this journey of surprise and treasures and even a nice dessert at the end. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/19/25 Full Review David S The movie isn’t as good or clever as they hoped it to be. It’s alright, but they tried to hard. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/17/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Tony Gilroy

Director

George Clooney

Michael Clayton

Tom Wilkinson

Arthur Edens

Tilda Swinton

Karen Crowder

Sydney Pollack

Marty Bach

Ken Howard

Don Jeffries

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Movie Info

Synopsis Former prosecutor Michael Clayton (George Clooney) works as a "fixer" at the corporate law firm of Kenner, Bach and Ledeen, and takes care of his employer's dirty work. Burned out and deep in debt, he is bound tightly to the firm. Clayton faces the biggest challenge of his career when a guilt-ridden attorney (Tom Wilkinson) has a breakdown during a huge class-action lawsuit.
Director
Tony Gilroy
Producer
Sydney Pollack, Steve Samuels, Jennifer Fox, Kerry Orent
Screenwriter
Tony Gilroy
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Production Co
Section Eight Ltd., Mirage Enterprises
Rating
R (Some Sexual Dialogue|Language)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 12, 2007, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Jan 25, 2008
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 2, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA)
$49.0M
Runtime
2h 0m
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