New Video Essay Explores The Layered Brilliance Of ‘Michael Clayton’

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Nice to see those clips again
THANKS

Ashton just confirms why this is by far my favorite George movie. George's depiction of Clayton was spot on.
His work in Money Monster can't come close to the outstanding performance he gave in Clayton. Like The American I think George shines in these types of roles as a man struggling with his soul. Just look at those eyes .....

Sevens - Thanks for this. I would have thought the themes of the film were a bit more accessible than Ashton did, but his analysis of the film and of George's performance are spot-on. One of my favorites and one of George's best.

Donnamarie wrote:Ashton just confirms why this is by far my favorite George movie.  George's depiction of Clayton was spot on.  
His work in Money Monster can't come close to the outstanding performance he gave in Clayton.  Like The American I think George shines in these types of roles as a man struggling with his soul.  Just look at those eyes .....

Agree with everything you said, Donna!

I didn't get it when I first watched 'Michael Clayton', had to see it again on DVD and then the non synchronized original version. And I just love 'The American', I think 'Redemption' is the headline on both movies.

What do you think about 'Solaris'? I think it's great, my husband hates it. I don't know if that's because he's a SiFi fan and I'm not.

Carolhathaway - What's your husband's problem with "Solaris"? Maybe there isn't enough action for him? I'm a sci-fi fan too and I liked it, although I wouldn't put it up there in my top 3.

I think "Out of Sight" is my ultimate favorite - with "Michael Clayton", "The Descendants, "Up In The Air" coming in close behind - Oh!, and don't forget "FDTD" which is so deliciously twisted! The more I think about it, I don't think there's a George movie that I don't like. Hell, I even like parts of "Batman"!

Lizzy,
I never finished 'Batman', stopped watching it after about 20 minutes. Arnie just can't act, and this story didn't work for me...

I love most of George's movies, and I can't tell you why my husband doesn't like 'Solaris'. He loves Asimov, so maybe doesn't like how this movie was made from his book...

I'm not a sci-fi fan either. I liked Solaris. Just not one of my favorites. It was the love story aspect (and honestly George's backside) that appealed to me. It was an interesting film but if the same love story angle had played out against a different backdrop I might have enjoyed it more.

Well, I have to agree that the love story aspect - especially George's backside- didn't hurt Solaris. Any movie where he takes off his clothes (rare, I know) is worth watching.

Carolhathaway - I totally agree about Batman. The script was awful and the acting was worse - except for some of George's scenes as Bruce Wayne. Even so, I've probably "seen" it 10 times - usually, if it's on, I put it on as background noise while I do other things and stop to watch from time to time. I don't remember the last time I sat down and actually watched it from beginning to end. 

I do the same . I love hearing Batman"s voice and remember the  Onstar  ( sp) commercial .

'Michael Clayton' is one of the best-written screenplays ever. The movie is one of my favorites, and I do think it's his best film performance.

Whenever I look for dramatic inspiration, I read either 'Michael Clayton' or 'Good Night, and Good Luck.' I don't think it's happenstance that they're both George at his best.

amaretti wrote:I do the same . I love hearing Batman"s voice and remember the  Onstar  ( sp) commercial .

I loved hearing his voice also!!!  I also George is the BEST Bruce Wayne ever!!! 

Me too!!!!!!!!!!!

Way2Old - Agreed. The screenplay for "Michael Clayton" is brilliant and George is great, but he wasn't alone. There isn't a bad performance in the film. Everyone in the cast gives a stellar performance. IMO there should have been Oscars all round for this one.