Michael Clayton (2007)
A gripping legal thriller about a law firm fixer forced to choose between complicity and conscience in a billion-dollar corporate cover-up.
Michael Clayton - Movie Information
- Original Title: Michael Clayton
- Release Year: 2007
- Directed by: Tony Gilroy
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Thriller, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 2h 0m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 28, 2007 (United Kingdom - 15), October 12, 2007 (United States - R), October 5, 2007 (Canada - 14A), February 28, 2008 (Germany - 12), October 17, 2007 (France - U), October 18, 2007 (New Zealand - M), October 18, 2007 (Australia - MA 15+), October 17, 2007 (Italy), November 16, 2007 (Spain - 12), November 29, 2007 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: Michael Clayton - Uma Questão de Consciência (PT), Майкл Клейтон (RU), Conduta de Risco (BR)
- Production Companies: Castle Rock Entertainment, Mirage Enterprises, Section Eight, Samuels Media
- Production Countries: United States of America
Michael Clayton - Plot
A law firm brings in its "fixer" to remedy the situation after a lawyer has a breakdown while representing a chemical company that he knows is guilty in a multi-billion dollar class action suit.
Michael Clayton - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see where the truth gets complicated:
The truth can be adjusted.
Where to Watch Michael Clayton
Looking for where to watch Michael Clayton?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Michael Clayton - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tony Gilroy
Main Cast
- George Clooney
- Tom Wilkinson
- Tilda Swinton
- Sydney Pollack
- Michael O'Keefe
- Ken Howard
- Sean Cullen
- Merritt Wever
- Austin Williams
- Robert Prescott
Writers
- Tony Gilroy
Producers
- Kerry Orent
- Steve Samuels
- Jennifer Fox
- Sydney Pollack
Michael Clayton - FAQs
What is Michael Clayton about?
Michael Clayton follows a morally conflicted law firm fixer — played by George Clooney — who gets pulled into a dangerous corporate cover-up when a colleague has a breakdown during a high-stakes class action lawsuit against a chemical giant. It's a tense, character-driven thriller about conscience, corruption, and the cost of doing the right thing.
Who plays Michael Clayton in the film?
George Clooney plays the title role of Michael Clayton, a behind-the-scenes legal fixer for a powerful New York law firm. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The supporting cast includes Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, and Sydney Pollack.
Did Tilda Swinton win an Oscar for Michael Clayton?
Yes! Tilda Swinton won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Karen Crowder, a corporate lawyer desperately trying to contain a scandal. Her portrayal of a woman unraveling under pressure is widely considered one of the film's standout performances.
How many Oscar nominations did Michael Clayton receive?
Michael Clayton received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Tony Gilroy, Best Actor for George Clooney, and Best Supporting Actor for Tom Wilkinson. Tilda Swinton took home the only win of the night, claiming Best Supporting Actress.
Where can you watch Michael Clayton?
You can watch Michael Clayton by renting or buying it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand. It's widely available across major digital platforms, so finding it shouldn't be a problem.
Is Michael Clayton based on a true story?
Michael Clayton is not based on a specific true story, but writer-director Tony Gilroy drew inspiration from real-world corporate litigation scandals and the shadowy role of legal fixers in large law firms. The fictional chemical company U/North echoes real cases involving corporate negligence and cover-ups.
What is the age rating for Michael Clayton?
Michael Clayton is rated R in the United States, making it suitable for audiences 17 and older. The rating reflects the film's mature themes, including corporate corruption, moral compromise, and scenes of violence. It's a sophisticated thriller aimed squarely at adult viewers.
What does the ending of Michael Clayton mean?
The ending sees Michael finally act on his conscience, exposing Karen Crowder and the chemical company's crimes. The final cab ride — where he simply asks the driver to keep going — suggests a man unburdened but uncertain about what comes next. It's a quiet, powerful moment of moral reckoning rather than triumphant resolution.
More About Michael Clayton
Explore further details about Michael Clayton on these trusted resources.