Michael Clayton, or is that just a really pissed off George Clooney?

Here's a brief description: An attorney known as the "fixer" in his law firm, comes across the biggest case of his career that could produce disastrous results for those involved.

When was the last time a George Clooney film slid through your town and you didn't know or weren't aware that it was happening? About two months ago that actually occurred. In the last week or so, you may have actually been hearing more about this film as the various nominations have been lighting up the entertainment news wires.

I did see this film during that quiet run, and going in I knew nothing. It wasn't until about halfway through the film that I started putting the various threads of the movie together. A month later and I'm still not sure that I would have gotten it faster or followed it better if I'd read the promo sheets on this one.

The film opens darkly. Very darkly. For about 10 minutes we are introduced to a late night, frantic, desperate work session at a law firm that isn't explained. From there we meet a depressed lawyer, Michael Clayton (Clooney), who you quickly realize is very nearly at the end of his rope, if not already dangling. You'd expect to see something significant come out of this interlude, considering the movie is named for this character. For about 5 minutes, all I was thinking was that this is going to be another Leaving Las Vegas depression film. Then we get the Event. The Event that sends this film into action. The Event that I didn't see coming, and if I'd known about would have ruined the moment, so now that you've read this you're probably screwed. But maybe not, because this film is all about how did we get to this desperation and scrambling.

Over the course, the film is going to get darker. We are going to meet the head of the law firm, a corporate big wig, a man who has seemingly lost his mind, a cop, a ruined man, and a cleaner. I'm not talking about a maid service.

Each of these parts is played by faces you should recognize, but names that may just be on the tip of your tongue. That doesn't matter. It's all about the stories and the strings that you can't see, but will eventually become entwined to form the rope that Michael Clayton, the person, is clinging on to.

Sidney Pollack, one of the celebrated directors and actors of our time returns to the front of the camera to play Marty Bach, the head of our contentious law firm. He plays the role perfectly as a man who dedicates his life to his firm and the bottom line, but still realizes that it's actual people that work for him and finds the balance to manage both. When ever I have the opportunity to see a Pollack film, (whether acted or directed) I see it. Of mention is his remake of Sabrina, in which he directed Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear and Julia Ormond. One of my favorites to this day.

Tilda Swinton plays the corporate player trying to save 1. her company from litigation and 2. public opinion of the company and by extension her job and lifestyle. Will she breakdown under pressure? What lengths will one persons dedication drive them too? You've seen Swinton in many things, but you probably never realized it. People in the states will most remember her for her part in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Finally, Tom Wilkinson plays the man whom the whole plot revolves around. His descent into crazy brings it all crashing down around everybody and while you're told that the movie is about Michael Clayton, if you can pay attention to the character Arthur Edens, you may get a firm grip on the confusing plot.

You're going to see a lot of Clayton's life thrashed about on the screen and it all plays little parts in the film as it all becomes a part of the overall story. From the dysfunctional family to the personal conflicts to the interoffice relationships. This is all going to flash on the screen and you may be wondering where it's all going, but trust me when I tell you that the pay-off is worth it.

It was one of the few films that I have sat through the credits as they rolled. If you see the movie you'll understand, and you might just sit there too.

In the end, I'm giving Michael Clayton 3.5 loaves of french bread out of 5 loaves of french bread. The acting was a 5, but the convoluted storyline that didn't come together until late pulled it down for me. This could be chalked up to me walking in blind, but shouldn't we all walk in that way? With nothing spoiled? I'm just saying.

Elijah

Watching: Angel the complete series, season 4.

On deck: Oceans 13 dvd.