AP Movie Critic Christy Lemire reviews 'Michael Clayton,' a new legal thriller starring George Cloon

Описание: (5 Oct 2007) EM4596
HEADLINE:Review: Clooney charismatic in 'Michael Clayton'
CAPTION: AP Movie Critic Christy Lemire reviews 'Michael Clayton,' a new legal thriller starring George Clooney and Tom Wilkinson. (Oct. 5) 2007
[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE]
"Michael Clayton" might have been a standard thriller _ one that's as generic and forgettable as the title itself _ were it not for some sharp writing from Tony Gilroy and an intelligent, subtly powerful performance from George Clooney.
As a "fixer" at a prestigious New York law firm, Clooney gets to show all the charisma of Danny Ocean as well as the vulnerability of his Oscar-winning role in "Syriana." He just keeps getting better with age, and it's breathtaking to watch this former People magazine "sexiest man alive" show absolutely zero vanity as he expands his range.
Gilroy, directing for the first time after writing or co-writing all three "Bourne" movies, gives Clooney a meaty part to work with, even though it's one that's rarely flashy. His Michael Clayton is stuck handling the dirty work for lawyers with more clout at the firm, stuff like hit-and-runs and volatile mistresses and wealthy kids in trouble; after 15 years he still hasn't made partner and some bad business decisions have left him nearly broke.
He gets one of his tougher assignments when a top litigator (Tom Wilkinson) has a meltdown in the middle of defending an agrochemical company against a $3 billion class-action lawsuit. Tilda Swinton co-stars, as does Sydney Pollack _ which seems appropriate, since this would have been a solid Pollack movie 30 years ago.
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