I almost didn't make it, but I just managed to see at least one Best Picture nominee before the big awards show. If I was a betting man, I would have figured it would have been Juno, but since I haven't found anyone willing to go see it with me yet, I had to settle for catching the only one that's made it to the budget theater yet; Michael Clayton.
Settling for this film though is no burden as this was a superb film that is easily worthy of it's nomination. It's an intense legal thriller that had me riveted from start until finish. Even if you have a good idea of how the film will end, the film is so intricate that you'll want to see how they handle all of the small details that make up the story.
This film was written and directed by Tony Gilroy. This is actually Gilroy's first stab at directing and he hits a home run on his initial attempt. He's not overly stylistic and he doesn't go for any outside-of-the-box techniques, he just puts together a strong, cohesive film. Gilroy also wrote the screenplay for The Bourne Ultimatum, so I'm glad to see that at least one of his films got recognized by the Oscars.
Of course, it goes without saying that a lot of the film's merit is based upon the terrific acting jobs found throughout. We'll start with George Clooney who is really good in the title role. Many people complain that he's just playing himself, but I detect small nuances in his performance that allows me to seperate the actor from the character. You can really feel the weight of the world on his shoulders as he has to deal with a number of problems both personally and professionally.
As good as Clooney is, however, Tom Wilkenson is the one who truly shines in this film. Playing manic depressive lawyer Arthur Edens, Wilkenson takes command of the screen every time he is on and leaves you wondering what this guy is all about. I had ridiculed Wilkenson in the past for his bombastic performance in In The Bedroom, a film that the Academy loved and no one saw. However, after seeing his work in Batman Begins and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, I've really begun to be impressed with his work and look forward to seeing more films with him in the future. But back to this film, enough can't be said for how good he is. The film begins with a monologue by his character, that immediately hooks you into the story.
Tilda Swinton, playing the slimy lawyer for the corrupt UNorth corporation also does a fine job as an exec who is in way over their head. As much as I liked her performance, however, I actually thought her role could have been fleshed out a bit more. She does well with what she has, but I really think that we could have seen a whole lot more from the character and her struggles in this situation.
One of the things that I think works so well for this movie is that it doesn't waste a lot of time with exposition. They make you work to understand what's going on and the motivations behind each character's actions. So many films today feel like they have to drop an anvil on your head so that you don't fall behind with the story. Because this film opts not to do that, it gives the story a more realistic feel. Let's be honest, two people plotting to kill someone don't take ten minutes explaining to each other why they're going to do that, so why should we see it in a film. Those that are too slow to follow along may not care for this movie, but if you appreciate when a film doesn't take you for an idiot, then you'll enjoy this film.
I think the best proof I have to show you how well this film captivated its audience is by explaining the scenario that occured as the film ended. Without giving anything away, the credits begin to role while there is still action on the screen. This final scene involves no dialogue and is rather simplistic; however no one in the theater left their seat. Some may have been waiting to see if something else would happen, while others were probably still trying to process everything that had taken place. But the bottom line is that there was no rush to the exits, despite the fact that the credits were beginning. A truly impressive feat, especially from the usually less than sophisticated budget theater crowd.
I enjoyed this film so much that I already went out and picked it up on DVD. It not only has a good story and fine acting, but there was so much going on that I feel a repeat viewing will only enhance my enjoyment of the film. Given how everything has gone down this awards season, I don't think this film has enough momentum to win Best Picture, but that's ok. Whether it wins or not, should not deter you from making an effort to watch it at some point in the future. This is a great legal thriller filled with intrique and suspense and it doesn't dumb things down for the lowest common denominator. What more could you ask for? Grade: A
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