Rarely do you come across films that need you to be extremely alert and focused on the proceedings to understand the true beauty and appreciate the effort that has gone into its conceptualization and making. Michael Clayton is one of those rare films. To a casual viewer, it may seem like any other drama, which although well directed, doesn’t offer anything new in terms of story. Thats because the focus is on the treatment and screenplay, which are really quite like a piece of art. Its meaning is not deciphered immediately by one and all. Take me for example. I went and saw this film on the big screen because I heard it got number of Oscar nominations. I arrived 20 minutes late and guess it made a world of difference. I found the film to be strictly average during the first viewing. During second viewing however, my opinion changed completely.
Unlike music, which have longer shelf life and the chance to grow on the listener upon repeated hearings, films must grab the viewer and cast their spell in the first viewing, because 99% of viewers don’t watch it the second time. Thats the dilemma with which film-makers live and make movies. They have to ensure that the film’s greatness should be felt by the audience, else there is an communication gap. With films like Michael Clayton, the onus is as much on the audience as the film-maker. In that sense, its a very demanding film which forces you to pay attention and watch carefully so that you can link the sequences and explain to yourself what the director has left for you to ponder upon.
Michael Clayton, as the name suggests, is about Michael Clayton, a lawyer who isn’t really fighting cases in court, but helping his clients get off the hook through his connections, network, influence and knowledge. His firm is fighting a big case for a company called U-North, and suddenly something goes wrong. What goes wrong, how Michael tries to clean up the mess, and how the ensuing events change his attitude and actions forms the rest of the story. As you must have realized, I have provided a simple summary to ensure that you enjoy the screenplay and unfolding of events. But rest assured, its a roller coaster and the film differs from other courtroom dramas in the fact that
It does not feature any courtroom sequences, instead focusing on the client-lawyer relationship and the stakes that are involved
The major focus in the film is on the life of Michael Clayton, with the case as backdrop. Thus, it offers insights into the life of a lawyer, or rather, a fixer/bagman working for a big law firm
The beauty of the screenplay is something that has to be experienced by watching. It demands careful attention from the audience, but offers rich rewards in the form of quality cinema. I saw it thrice and then understood how the events have been woven together to present a different viewing experience. Also, the case which is discussed in the film is quite applicable to our life, because it deals with agriculture and the adverse effect of certain chemicals on ourlife. That makes it a socially relevant film.
I am not at all surprised that the film managed to fetch nominations in almost all categories, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, etc. What surprises me however, is the fact that it won only a single award, that of Best Supporting Actress for Tilda Swinton. I personally feel that Tom Wilkinson, who played the role of the deranged and depressed lawyer was simply Outstanding. George Clooney was superb, playing his role to perfection and underplaying emotions beautifully. Technically, the film is excellent, with beautiful cinematography, crisp and punchy dialogues, and wonderful picturisation that adds lot of weight to the confrontational sequences. Basically, its a very well made film.
I am also surprised that it didn’t win the award for Best Background Score. According to me, its by far the best that I have heard in recent times. Its subtle, but it raises the tensions and creates the kind of atmosphere that takes the scenes to a different level altogether. Simply Brilliant. James Newton Howard, please take a bow for giving us two Superb scores, namely "I am Legend", and "Michael Clayton". The film-makers of both these films owe a lot of thanks to J.N.H for his invaluable contribution.
Michael Clayton is a different film. Its not the kind of film that everyone will enjoy and watch without uttering a few unpleasant comments. Its not as entertaining as the stuff that Hollywood usually produces, and its not like Damini, with high-voltage courtroom sequences. Its a film that doesn’t have to find an audience, but where a particular section of audience instead finds the film and enjoys it. The best way to enjoy the film is to see it without any notions/mindsets or expectations.