On the surface this film looks like just another glossy legal thriller. Its cause isn’t helped by a trailer which reveals a little too much of the plot and a dull poster that must, presumably, be clever in ways that I’m not able to appreciate. The film employs the now ubiquitous non-linear storyline, beginning as it does with an ultimately insignificant episode part way through the period covered by the film.

Nevertheless, after the opening ten minutes, during which George Clooney’s titular character is introduced, the film soon settles into its rhythm and is mercifully free of perplexing flashbacks and twists. What Michael Clayton turns out to be, is a fairly conventional thriller, albeit an uncommonly good one. The script is sharp, the tension is maintained throughout and the film features three stand-out performances.

Clooney is understated yet excellent as the former trial lawyer who becomes frustrated with his role as a ‘fixer’, helping to extract his clients, and his firm itself, from various sticky situations. As the film progresses, Clooney convincingly portrays a man who, although unflappable in his job, must come to terms with numerous failing in his private life. With a similarly restrained performance, Tilda Swinton, plays a ruthlessly ambitious executive. However, it is the excellent Tom Wilkinson who really steals the show in the film’s one ‘showy’ role. Wilkinson plays Arthur Edens, a brilliant but unstable attorney who, stricken with guilt and convinced of the guilt of his client, turns his back on the firm and seeks to start a new life for himself.

The impressive attention to detail really adds to the authenticity of the action taking place on screen and although Michael Clayton features few shocking twists the conclusion never feels certain.

Rating: 8.2/10

To see reviews of the other nominated films, please use the links below.