#79, 10/13 – Michael Clayton (2007) (tofw)

At some point early last year I realized the movies I’m responding to most positively these days are those which didn’t run afoul of some very basic principles of mine. What those principles happen to be is sort of unimportant (if you know me and are curious, ask), but examples of films which worked perfectly for me in this regard include Ugetsu, Night and the City, The Double Life of Veronique,Children of Men, and The Lives of Others.

Yes, I’m saying I liked Michael Clayton just about that much. Or, to put it another way: The reaction everyone else had to The Departed (a movie which, let’s not forget, I think is deliriously overrated) is what I had for Michael Clayton. I haven’t seen a single review for it yet, but it’s a movie which I’m sure is (deservedly) getting mentioned in the same breath as my favorite 70s thrillers, and that’s great company to be in.

While I was sitting in the theatre watching everything unfold I couldn’t help comparing Clooney’s Clayton with another character he played recently, namely Bob Barnes.  In fact, I find the similarities between the two characters very interesting indeed, and my growing respect for Clooney (yes, it is funny now for me to look back at how he had to win me over two years ago) comes from his ability to play these disillusioned janitors as well as he does.

I really need more movies like this. Also, I need more movies with Tilda Swinton. Neither of these things should surprise anyone.