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Michael Clayton

Play trailer Poster for Michael Clayton R 2007 2h 0m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 202 Reviews 69% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Former prosecutor Michael Clayton works as a "fixer" at the corporate law firm of Kenner, Bach and Ledeen, and takes care of his employer's dirty work. Burned out and deep in debt, he is bound tightly to the firm. Clayton faces the biggest challenge of his career when a guilt-ridden attorney has a breakdown during a huge class-action lawsuit.
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Michael Clayton

Michael Clayton

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Critics Consensus

Michael Clayton is one of the most sharply scripted films of 2007, with an engrossing premise and faultless acting. Director Tony Gilroy succeeds not only in capturing the audience's attention, but holding it until the credits roll.

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Critics Reviews

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David Fear Blender Sep 8, 2023
There is a lot to admire in [Michael Clayton] regarding corruption and personal responsibility. You may, however, want to cut out before [the end]. Go to Full Review Deborah Ross The Spectator Aug 23, 2018
The storytelling is so good I simply got caught up, and, as for George, he is seriously, seriously good... Here, his performance is passionate, subtle and right on the money. Go to Full Review Alonso Duralde MSNBC May 1, 2008
4/5
Michael Clayton definitely has its heart in the '70s. Go to Full Review Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight Oct 10, 2023
3/4
Michael Clayton has an important story to tell, but is sometimes overly stifling in its stuffy pretenses. Go to Full Review Joanne Laurier World Socialist Web Site Mar 5, 2021
The multifaceted pieces of the film are well orchestrated and the performances strong, although the movie's beginning is somewhat chaotic. Go to Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Nov 26, 2020
7/10
This is Clooney at his brooding best, in a solid drama with an ending as explosive as its beginning. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Gary J @RT39779352 Sep 10, 2026 Swinton won for best supporting, but I think George Clooney’s performance was so spot on that he deserved an Oscar. Though she did an excellent job, and I can’t fault her performance. This is a superbly done story of intrigue, lunacy, loyalty and some very bad decisions that lead to a satisfying climax. I loved this movie, and have seen it several times. Excellent writing, acting and direction all around. See more bruce F @bruce999 Aug 3, 2026 nice drama. worth viewing. i've watched it 3 times...i love it. don't pass it by. it's under-rated See more Jonathan B @RT43918092 Jul 9, 2026 One of the best films of the 2000s, and probably Clooney’s best acting performance. Shades of 70s/80s thrillers such as Absence of Malice and Network. Those who enjoy such conspiracy movies will like this one, and can take multiple viewings to put all the pieces together. The plot only becomes more topical with every story of corporate malfeasance and corruption that plagues our news headlines. See more W.L. C. @WayneCampbell Jun 27, 2026 "Michael Clayton" is one of the films I missed while working two jobs to keep my family out of destitution 20 years ago. I finally got around to it; I probably could've waited another 20. I'm all for a slow burn, but this is a pot that never boils. A stacked cast in a tepid film. The score is reminiscent of a lullaby and the color palette is so beige it may as well be wallpaper in a vacant hospital. Tony Gilroy is a gifted writer, but this one is a wet fart at best. See more Costantino D. @CosMovies May 28, 2026 Masterpiece in every way. See more Jeff C @Popsstargell79 May 8, 2026 A perfect film. The writing is superb and the performances from Clooney, Wilkinson, Swinton, Pollack are sublime. See more Read all reviews
Michael Clayton

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Cast & Crew

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Tony Gilroy

Director

George Clooney

Michael Clayton

Tom Wilkinson

Arthur Edens

Tilda Swinton

Karen Crowder

Sydney Pollack

Marty Bach

Ken Howard

Don Jeffries

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Michael Clayton

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Movie Info

Synopsis Former prosecutor Michael Clayton works as a "fixer" at the corporate law firm of Kenner, Bach and Ledeen, and takes care of his employer's dirty work. Burned out and deep in debt, he is bound tightly to the firm. Clayton faces the biggest challenge of his career when a guilt-ridden attorney has a breakdown during a huge class-action lawsuit.
Director
Tony Gilroy
Producer
Sydney Pollack, Steve Samuels, Jennifer Fox, Kerry Orent
Screenwriter
Tony Gilroy
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Production Co
Mirage Enterprises, Section Eight Ltd.
Rating
R (Some Sexual Dialogue|Language)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 12, 2007, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Jan 25, 2008
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 2, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA)
$49.0M
Runtime
2h 0m
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