Review of Michael Clayton (2007) by Anjana R — 06 Apr 2012

"I'm Shiva, the god of death," proclaims Michael Clayton in a rather frustrated manner.

And frustrated is the tone that permeates the entire film. Clayton is frustrated that he has essentially made no progress with his life. Arthur is frustrated that his medical history prevents others from taking him seriously. Karen is frustrated that despite all her work, everything is crumbling beneath her and leaving her with nothing (she and Clayton make wonderful foils).

What makes "Michael Clayton" stand out from most other conspiracy thrillers is its restraint-- an element largely missing from its more average peers. "Clayton" maintains its suspense artfully. For example, towards the end, when we reach the other bookend of the film, we watch the progression of events from a different point of view. Despite the fact that we already know how it ends from the first bookend of the narrative, Gilroy still manages to maintain a high level of suspense. Not an easy feat.

Not only does it brilliantly rework ground that has been covered SO many times, "Clayton" gives the audience three stellar performances from Clooney, Wilkinson, and Swinton (Swinton does a remarkable job inhabiting her character here... as usual). Not only that, Gilroy gives us two memorable moments-- one based on emotions and one in a purely technical aspect. The scene with the horses is shown again in the second bookend in a stroke of genius; it allows us to realize the extent of characterization of Michael Clayton that has happened between the two. The other moment happens as the camera pans on Clayton descending on an escalator and the camera lingers just long enough to allow the viewer to ruminate.

All in all, quite an enjoyable watch.