Michael Clayton

Michael Clayton is not profound. Neither is it particularly revelatory. Or subtle. That the New York Times had to say this about it ("It’s a story about ethics and their absence, a slow-to-boil requiem for American decency") speaks only that George Clooney is a much loved poster-boy, who will readily raise his sword in a portrayal of the eternal and ever-so-romanticized struggle between conscience and materialism.

There is no denying ofcourse that Clooney is anything but a wonderful actor. But with this movie, it almost feels like he's falling into a sort of stereotype - the guy that carries the weight of the world, keeps its secrets and determinedly fights for justice.

The movie is dark and grey and haphazard in what I can only imagine is expected to aid in keeping the mystery alive. But beyond the surface, there really is no strong, compelling point. The focus is diffused which is a nice way of saying that the sequence of events aside, there is no emphasis, it's just all over the place. There is but a cursory glance at the issue causing all the controversy which is only the excuse for all the ensuing big bucks struggle and drama.. And If you skim over all the exciting conspiracy of it all (something in every fifth american movie), the equally oft portrayal and indictment of corporate greed, you find yourself in possession of a strong notion that the whole thing is just a trifle too contrived.

Piercing eyes and determined looks aside, Clooney looked out of place as 'the fixer' - a little too suave for someone supposed to do all the dirty work. If this story was all about Michael Clayton the man then it was barely held together - His gambling problems and a few 'compelling' father-son scenes didn't do it justice and couldn't have been any less subtle if they had a running subtitle that said 'we're trying to show you his life outside of the work he does'.

All in all, if you watch the movie, you will definitely be distracted for a few hours, perhaps even quite entertained.. and if that is all they were going for, it's fine (Oceans's 11, 12, and 13 - cases in point - all very entertaining) But if you watch this after hearing about how wonderful a movie it is, one of the best of the year etc. etc. you can't help but scream.. because there is nothing original about it, and nothing that merits all the praise and attention it's been getting. George can do a lot better.