MICHAEL CLAYTON
RYAN: We have now seen George Clooney’s answer to “Erin Brockovich,” and it’s ”Michael Clayton.”
CAROLINE: It’s not based on a true story like “Erin Brockovich” was, but other than that, there are some similarities in theme. I really, really liked this movie even though I had absolutely no clue what was going on for most of it.
RYAN: I find extreme satisfaction in watching a complicated movie and being able to figure it all out in the end. It’s like a catharsis.
CAROLINE: I definitely started to figure stuff out as the movie went on, but I have might some questions for you later. We were lucky enough to attend the premiere with our friends Tom and Cosmo, and we spotted Mr. Clooney himself as well as Rene Russo and Joey Fatone. Thanks Luke!
RYAN: I love that this movie gives a shout-out to my hometown of Milwaukee. Part of it must have been filmed there because there’s a thank you in the credits to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
CAROLINE: More importantly, it was shot on location in Tribeca, one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC. There were lots of streets and restaurants I recognized, which is always fun to see in a movie.
RYAN: This movie has a great story; it’s a little complex, but it’s very rewarding if you stick with it. It’s got good momentum, it’s a good length and the performances are great. Tilda Swinton is good in everything, but this was probably one of my favorite performances of hers.
CAROLINE: She enunciates a lot. And Tom Wilkinson is also fabulous with his flawless American accent. You’d never know he was a Brit. I’d also like to mention Merritt Wever, who was so awesome as Chandler’s assistant on “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.” She has a pretty big part in this movie, and I like her.
RYAN: There were also several Broadway stars in supporting roles, such as Denis O’Hare and Julie White. George Clooney looks great in this film except he has a very distracting dent above his right eyebrow that irritated me throughout.
CAROLINE: Oh my God, totally! I spent the whole movie thinking it was a cut of some kind and that maybe we’d get some clarity as to why he had a big cut on his forehead…but then later in the film, I realized it was just a strange dent.
RYAN: It’s a Clooney deformity.
CAROLINE: Bottom line?
RYAN: This just in, “Ally McBeal” was my favorite show and I love courtroom dramas, and now I know I can enjoy a lawyerly film that doesn’t even have one scene that takes place inside a courtroom. It’s an exciting, intriguing movie and it’s very well shot. The music brings suspenseful music to a whole new level; it’s so good it’s almost its own character. I think everyone will enjoy this, though it’s definitely an adult movie – not for the kids.
CAROLINE: The whole movie is great, but the opening and closing are particularly cool. I’d definitely recommend this for the 21 and over crowd. We’re finally kicking off the fall movie season with great flicks like this. Kudos to first-time director, Tony Gilroy, who also wrote all the Bourne movies. He’s definitely doing something right.