Review of Michael Clayton (2007) by Kanaka S — 12 Jan 2011

There is a distinct lack of urgency, immediacy, and importance in this film. What exactly is Clayton fighting for? What will happen if he loses? These questions are muddled through, and so are the motivations of all the others characters in this movie.

While his character and his wish to escape his profession are clear, little else is. He is tasked with working miracles, but we never truly understand what is expected of him or how he accomplishes it.

The one bright spot of the movie is Tilda Swinton. I loved the direction of every scene she was in. The conspiracy aspect combined with Arthur's mental paranoia could have been much stronger and scarier, but by letting the audience know the conspiracy was real, all suspense and fear was eliminated.