Michael Clayton

Michael Clayton is a 2007 American drama film written and directed by Tony Gilroy, starring George Clooney, Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton and Sydney Pollack. The film chronicles the attempts by attorney Michael Clayton to cope with a colleague’s apparent mental breakdown, and the corruption and intrigue surrounding a major client of his law firm being sued in a class action case over the effects of toxic agrochemicals.

Michael Clayton (George Clooney), an attorney with a gambling problem, leaves a late night poker game. He works for the prestigious New York City law firm Kenner, Bach & Ledeen. As the firm’s “fixer”, Michael’s job entails using his connections, influence, and his knowledge of legal loopholes for his clients’ (often improprietous) benefit. In an early scene that establishes Michael’s role as such, Michael meets with a wealthy client (Denis O’Hare) who has just committed a hit and run. After Michael finishes his business and leaves, he pulls off to the side of the road after some aimless driving. When he leaves his car to admire some horses, it explodes behind him.

The film jumps back to four days earlier.

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