If there ever was a movie that fit the description “too
perfect,” then Michael Clayton is it. This is a slick
motion picture that is just oozing in talent; not a frame is out
of place, not a line of dialogue is spoken out of turn.
Writer/director Tony Gilroy was clearly meticulous in making the
film; he almost scientifically positions each scene in its
place, as if it were a piece in a cinematic puzzle. In this
calculated approach, Gilroy also finds dramatic, climactic
performances in the members of his gifted cast, particularly
lead George Clooney and supporting actors Tom Wilkinson and
Tilda Swindon. When analyzed point-for-point, Michael Clayton
appears to be nothing short of a masterpiece.
But despite
the aforementioned assets, the movie is actually nowhere near as
exciting a piece of filmmaking as it might seem. To call
Michael Clayton a great film would be a stunning
miscalculation. In truth, Gilroy’s concoction is too
perfect. He and his cast become so caught up in making a
cleverly constructed film with an air-tight plot that they pay
no attention to connecting with the audience on an emotional
level. Even as far as legal thrillers go, Michael Clayton
is far too stark to affect the viewer in the least. The result
is a picture that only engages as far as it is able to impress,
never creeping its way into the hearts and minds of viewers
enough to allow it to elicit a deep response out of them.
-Danny Baldwin,
Bucket Reviews
Review Published
on: 10.17.2007
Screened on:
10.14.2007 at MovieMax in Carlsbad, CA.
Michael Clayton is rated R and runs 120
minutes.
Back to Home
