The setting of Michael Clayton brings memories of ’Jerry Maguire’.Here too, we find the hero struggling with a conflict between hispersonal value system and his professional life.
The comparison endsthere; our hero Michael being a "fixer" with a law firm has to dealwith his financial debts, the mental upset of a colleague and theexposure to corruption and deceit by a client company.
Directed bydebutant Tony Gilroy, well remembered for the screenplay of the Bourne movies, the movie is a crisp crime drama. Top notch acting by Tom Wilkinson and a rather restrained George Clooney are the highlights.
But what leaves you spellbound is the stunning Tilda Swinton as Karen Crowder, an over ambitious, neurotic (Lady Macbeth without a Macbeth??)chief counsel going evil ways to cover up wrong deeds. If you have anydoubts regarding the Oscar she received, just watch her finely detailedact in the climax where Michael comments, "You’re so !!" A film that doesn’t preach, yet reminds you to uphold your moral stand even amidst pressures.