Featured Audience Ratings

• Universal D

  
  Corporate greed's at the middle of this look at the behind the scenes legal wrangling in a wrongful death lawsuit, greed vs. morality. The leads are good (especially Swinton) even if the pace is slow at first, so distracting.

• Liam G

  
  The standard of filmmaking in ''Michael Clayton'' is impeccable. The plot threads tie together wonderfully, the performances from Clooney, Swinton and Wilkinson are outstanding and the tension that runs throughout the film is so high. Gilroy's script is… More
  The standard of filmmaking in ''Michael Clayton'' is impeccable. The plot threads tie together wonderfully, the performances from Clooney, Swinton and Wilkinson are outstanding and the tension that runs throughout the film is so high. Gilroy's script is wonderful with such hard-hitting dialogue and the development of each character is incredibly solid. If you're looking for a superbly assembled and suspenseful drama, ''Michael Clayton'' is as perfect as you could get.

• xGary X

  
  Michael Clayton is an ex-ADA who now works as a fixer for a corporate law firm. When his old friend and mentor seemingly has a psychological break while defending another corporate giant he is called in to "handle" the situation. I must admit that this film had me hooked… More
  Michael Clayton is an ex-ADA who now works as a fixer for a corporate law firm. When his old friend and mentor seemingly has a psychological break while defending another corporate giant he is called in to "handle" the situation. I must admit that this film had me hooked right from the incredibly intense monologue from Tom Wilkinson that opens the film. It plays out like a corporate Cold War film; the fact is that the plot will be very familiar to anyone who has seen a few legal dramas and the conclusion has a definite air of inevitability about it. But it's the journey there that makes it so worthwhile. Wilkinson is superb as the corporate slave who has a life changing catharsis, as is Clooney as the complex and morally ambiguous Clayton and Tilda Swinton as the immoral but anxiety riddled executive. It has no pointless action sequences and no gimmicks or twists; it's simply an very well written, extremely well acted and attractively and intelligently directed film full of interesting characters and excellent dialogue. Even the portrayal of Clayton's homelife, which is usually cinematic poison is realistic and unsentimental. Very much in the tradition of the likes of All The President's Men, Michael Clayton is the best straightforward and unpretentious low-key thriller I've seen in recent years.

• Melvin W

  
  Michael Clayton: Do I look like I'm negotiating?  "The Truth Can Be Adjusted" What a movie. My rating doesn't quite give justification to how smart and well executed this film is. When I revisit the film(which I certainly will), I'm sure I'll be giving… More
  Michael Clayton: Do I look like I'm negotiating?  "The Truth Can Be Adjusted" What a movie. My rating doesn't quite give justification to how smart and well executed this film is. When I revisit the film(which I certainly will), I'm sure I'll be giving it a much higher rating. It's one of those movies that can only get better with multiple viewings. The best way to describe Michael Clayton is by calling it a "slower burn" thriller. It's extremely slow in its plot developments, which could sound off-putting, but it really isn't. The plot is so deep with information that the slowness of the film almost guides us through everything that is going on.  Michael Clayton is a fixer with a major law firm. He gets called in to clean up screw ups. The one he gets called in for with this film is huge. An attorney who is defending a corporation he knows is guilty has a breakdown during one of the proceedings. He strips off all his clothes. Clayton stumbles his way through the film trying to make sense of everything that is happening. The film is pushed by a great score that always keeps the tension at a high. Also helping with that is a fine directorial debut from Tony Gilroy.  I don't really know how to describe the cast involved in this one. They are all magnificent. The standouts are Clooney, Swinton, and Wilkinson. Their performances go a long way in making this one of the better acted films of the 21st century. I loved Clooney as Michael Clayton. I think it was an easy choice, maybe too easy of a choice. Could you even imagine someone else in that role? I can't. Even though Swinton and Wilkinson steal their scenes, the movie is still 100% George Clooney's. If you're going to give someone that much power over a film, might as well be Clooney. In the end, this film demands your attention. If you don't like those type of movies, skip it because it will just frustrate you. If you like those demanding type of movies, this is a great one. It's definitely a thriller, but not The standard definition of one. When we hear thriller, we automatically think; guns, explosions, car chases, etc. Well this doesn't have much of those things. What it has is a phenomenal screenplay that is brought to life by a phenomenal cast. 

• Sanjay R

  
  This is a movie with an interesting story, but told in a far too dry manner. Even though the story coheres very well, the dull shots and dialogue can lull some to sleep. Not to say you have to be smart to understand it, but the pretensions make this film sort of annoying. Overall, it… More
  This is a movie with an interesting story, but told in a far too dry manner. Even though the story coheres very well, the dull shots and dialogue can lull some to sleep. Not to say you have to be smart to understand it, but the pretensions make this film sort of annoying. Overall, it is mildly entertaining.

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"The Truth Can Be Adjusted"</i> A law firm brings in its "fixer" to remedy the situation after a lawyer has a breakdown while representing a chemical company that he knows is guilty in a multi-billion dollar class action suit.… More
  <i>"The Truth Can Be Adjusted"</i> A law firm brings in its "fixer" to remedy the situation after a lawyer has a breakdown while representing a chemical company that he knows is guilty in a multi-billion dollar class action suit. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> It's George Clooney's turn to take on corporate bigwigs who are determined to give cancer to all the decent folk living out in America's heartlands. He plays Michael Clayton, fixer for a big time law firm acting as a defendant in a class action law suit leveled at the cancer-causing conglomerate. When his good friend and the lead attorney assigned to building the defense (Tom Wilkinson, excellent) goes off his rocker and starts babbling about the evils of what he's been aiding and abetting, and even begins to help the prosecution with its case, Michael is called in to "fix" the situation. But he of course suffers a crisis of conscience when it turns out that his crazy friend is the only sane person around, and it becomes his job to make sure the corporation doesn't get away with its dastardly deeds. "Michael Clayton" is well acted and written, but it's awfully dour and gloomy. Every movie like this has a big payoff scene at the end, where our hero gets to tell off the corporate jerk to the rousing applause of the audience ("Erin Brockovich" consisted of nothing but scenes like that), and this movie is no exception. However, the one here is relatively muted, and we're not allowed to enjoy it for long. The final shot of the film is of Michael's face driving away from the big showdown in a cab, and it's not wearing an expression of triumph. It's the face of a man who's been worn out by the injustice of life, and I don't know that I've ever seen Clooney look worse on screen. The film suggests that facing the evils of the world and doing the right thing can still hollow you out inside. This approach makes the movie better than a film like "Erin Brockovich," but it may disappoint people who come into it thinking they're going to get to enjoy two hours of George Clooney telling people what's what.

• Albert K

  
  "Michael Clayton". First off, the screenplay is extremely sharp and cleverly written. There isn't gonna be a screenplay like this in a very long time. I understand -- its notably difficult to follow along, but wow! This is an incredibly rich, intelligent, and… More
  "Michael Clayton". First off, the screenplay is extremely sharp and cleverly written. There isn't gonna be a screenplay like this in a very long time. I understand -- its notably difficult to follow along, but wow! This is an incredibly rich, intelligent, and meticulously well-crafted thriller. It's riddled with a cool dark blue and blacks that give off the right tone for this suave thriller. The acting is superb. And what about the score! It gets the blood boiling and the tensions to a tight finish. I cannot recommend this movie enough. The tension is unequivocally tangible that by the end of it, it feels like you watched one of the greatest thrillers of all time. Beware: Be sure to follow the dialogue very closely for this is a movie that entrusts the audience to have the intelligence to keep up with its intricate, abundant narrative. It might be worth it to watch this movie more than once.

• Emil K

  
  At times enjoyble but mostly very standard thriller that tries too hard to be clever and ends up being quite a mess. There is nothing wrong with the acting, but these kind of Law & Order - type thrillers has been made way too many and directo/writer Tony Gilroy has almost nothing… More
  At times enjoyble but mostly very standard thriller that tries too hard to be clever and ends up being quite a mess. There is nothing wrong with the acting, but these kind of Law & Order - type thrillers has been made way too many and directo/writer Tony Gilroy has almost nothing new to add for his version. Plot keeps ticking like a bomb and the pace is fast, but it all just feels rather flat and unoriginal. I cannot see any reason to get back to this film never again. It is one of those once and never again - films that little by little gets forgotten.

• Jens S

  
  This brilliantly filmed and written lawyer thriller starts out slow and a bit confusing, not exactly allowing an easy access to the story. One a car blows up and we go four days into the past things start to get much clearer and develop an inescapable undertow, getting more exciting… More
  This brilliantly filmed and written lawyer thriller starts out slow and a bit confusing, not exactly allowing an easy access to the story. One a car blows up and we go four days into the past things start to get much clearer and develop an inescapable undertow, getting more exciting by the minute and delivering a mean punch after an hour. That's when the film reaches unexpected dramatic heights and, without giving away too much, goes into a really satisfying second hour. The acting is top notch, especially Wilkinson and Clooney deliver some of the strongest performances of their careers. The final image stays with you for a long time. Intelligent, demanding and rewarding movie making at its best.

• Lewis C

  
  A solid corporate thriller with great performances from Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, and George Clooney. If you're at all interested in movies about the shady dealings and ruthlessness of big companies with billions and secrets to protect, you'll probably like this. It took… More
  A solid corporate thriller with great performances from Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, and George Clooney. If you're at all interested in movies about the shady dealings and ruthlessness of big companies with billions and secrets to protect, you'll probably like this. It took a while for the plot to get going, but ultimately it ended up being a satisfying movie.

• Jim C

  
  George Clooney deserved more praise, this film literally had nothing wrong with it, the plot, the characters, the music, nothing went wrong. I loved this movie.

• Emile T

  
  It slowly became one of my personal favourites. I love everything about that movie. The actors, firstly, the screenplay, the direction... And it's the kind of movie I'd watch everyday.

• familiar s

  
  Those not specifically interested in the genre this film belongs to are tend to get bored of it. It's a bit slow and tries your patience, but it worked out well for me. The story is pretty unique, but the screenplay wasn't tight enough. I felt something missing in the movie,… More
  Those not specifically interested in the genre this film belongs to are tend to get bored of it. It's a bit slow and tries your patience, but it worked out well for me. The story is pretty unique, but the screenplay wasn't tight enough. I felt something missing in the movie, just can't figure out exactly what it was. Maybe the lack of the entertainment quotient, some light moments, not sure. If it wasn't for that, this would have surely ended up as one of my all-time favorites. May give it another chance some other day, if possible (have lots of other movies pending to be watched, so it will take long to get back to it, if ever).

• Jameson W

  
  Very, very, very slow and hard to follow at first. But, Michael Clayton is a very good thriller. A unique thing about this film, isn't the plot, but the way it appeals as a thriller. With the minimal use of a score and action, it's thrills are driven by the acting. So many… More
  Very, very, very slow and hard to follow at first. But, Michael Clayton is a very good thriller. A unique thing about this film, isn't the plot, but the way it appeals as a thriller. With the minimal use of a score and action, it's thrills are driven by the acting. So many other thrillers depend on intense music and fighting, but this film depends solely upon it's brilliant cast. George Clooney, Tom Atkinson, and Tilda Swinton are fantastic in this film. Definitely worth a watch. I promise that after the slow first hour, it gets very good and intense.

• Daniel P

  
  A suspenseful film but one that at the same was never all that exciting. It was hard to turn away from - I did want to know what happened - but I don't know if it really deserved best picture consideration. I did like Clooney, though - he's so incurably watchable, even when… More
  A suspenseful film but one that at the same was never all that exciting. It was hard to turn away from - I did want to know what happened - but I don't know if it really deserved best picture consideration. I did like Clooney, though - he's so incurably watchable, even when he's playing somewhat against the grain. Solid film. A little slow, but when the ending picks up it's worth the wait. PS: Tom Wilkinson was brilliant. Again.

• Jeff "

  
  Michael Clayton is a terrific film. No other words can describe this film. A film that is very well written and superbly acted, this is a film that will definitely entertain you. A top notch cast upholds the terrific script. George Clooney as usual delivers a solid performance and so… More
  Michael Clayton is a terrific film. No other words can describe this film. A film that is very well written and superbly acted, this is a film that will definitely entertain you. A top notch cast upholds the terrific script. George Clooney as usual delivers a solid performance and so does Tom Wilkinson who always brings something great to his roles. Tony Gilroy's directing is terrific and the story is solid. A riveting dramatic Thriller, Michael Clayton is a film that has a very strong story, and is the type of film you may need to watch a second time around to get the whole storyline to the film. Michael Clayton is a pulse pounding thrill ride. This definitely a well plotted drama film. The cast here do an incredible job at elevating the story of the film. Theres terrific character development and it's very interesting to see events unfold as the story becomes more complex. A terrific drama/Thriller, this is a great example of a well executed film. The story is solid, the cast is incredible and the directing is almost flawless. I've seen a lot of George Clooney films, and I truly think he's a talented actor. But in Michael Clayton he gives something that truly redefines his acting style, he delivers a bold performance, a performance that should have earned him an Oscar. The role that he plays in this film is one of his greatest yet and in time will probably one of his most memorable. Yes, at times the film is confusing, and like I've said once, you may need to watch this twice to get whats going on, but thats whats great about this film, with every viewing you'll unlock something new and thrilling. Michael Clayton is a masterful dramatic Thriller with a multi layered plot with interesting, conflicted characters. A film that must be seen. Truly something different.

• Richard C

  
  B+

• Alexis N

  
  Really, really good ..if you can get past the first kinda slow, mostly boring first hour. The storyline is very deep, maybe a little too deep for a two hour movie. But I liked it, George is an amazing janitor.

• Dan S

  
  An excellent, straight shooting, solid movie that features George Clooney and Tom Wilkinson at the top of their games. Just a great character and cooperate movie that shows some of the ugly back alley dealings in the business world. Although it falters a bit at its conclusion, the… More
  An excellent, straight shooting, solid movie that features George Clooney and Tom Wilkinson at the top of their games. Just a great character and cooperate movie that shows some of the ugly back alley dealings in the business world. Although it falters a bit at its conclusion, the dark atmosphere and overall well detailed plot are hard to ignore.

• Khris N

  
  Hey hey, a nice twisted legal movie that does really make you question the underpinnings of the system we live in and entrust ourselves to. <br/> <br/>Seeing as I study Law, I know where this movie is exactly heading... in some points Ive had the same thoughts which are… More
  Hey hey, a nice twisted legal movie that does really make you question the underpinnings of the system we live in and entrust ourselves to. <br/> <br/>Seeing as I study Law, I know where this movie is exactly heading... in some points Ive had the same thoughts which are expressed throughout the movie, such as "What is the true nature of the law?" and "what is the truth?" My view is : Justice is an illusion... truth is a perception. <br/> <br/>if you interested in learning a complex, though totally necessary view of life within the law, then this is the movie most would be inclined to watch. But more likley where you believe that you might have an answer for one question, 3 more arise in place... and I guess what you need to understand is that there are no clear cut answers to anything, except the fact that we usually have to answer for ourselves. <br/> <br/>This is what Michael Clayton comes to realise, working as a fixer, an ex-criminal lawyer turned "enforcer/negotiator" for one of the biggest firms in the US... and its obvious he has no love for his job, nor does he feel anything, the job has destroyed his life and made him a ghost in a shell. He only realises this after observing a colleague, the Firms most brilliant on retainer advocate suffer a mental breakdown, which was well played by Tom Wilkinson, while hounded by his superiors to 'wave his magic wand' and solve the problem. <br/> <br/>Obviously, its easier to solve someone else's problem but your own... it does take time for Clayton to realise and ask the question of "what the hell is he doing, why is he doing it, and why can't he leave?" <br/> <br/>This is a pretty good arthouse drama, and the focus should be on the characters, not the law and the case, but how those and other things affect the lives of everyone. After watching this, one might be inclined to take the route of the mental breakdown, wither because you really have lost faith in the system and are prepared to make a fresh start... or perhaps you just didnt understand jack of the movie! XD <br/> <br/>Pretty nifty and different flick.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings