Clooney plays Michael Clayton, a high-priced-law-firm's fixer; the go-to-guy when crises need to be avoided. And as a former criminal prosecutor, Clayton takes care of New York’s Kenner, Bach, & Ledeen's dirty work upon request of the firm's co-founder, Marty Bach (Pollack). Clayton is at a somewhat delicate point in his life - burnt out; going through a divorce, and mounting debt from a failed business venture and not to mention the problematic gambling. It seems Clayton is fixed to his ‘fixer’ role for the long-term.

Meanwhile, at U/North the career of litigator Karen Crowder (Swinton) rests on the multi-million dollar settlement of a class-action law-suit that Clayton's firm is leading to what seems to be a successful conclusion.

However, Kenner, Bach, & Ledeen's brilliant but guilt-ridden attorney Arthur Eden (O’Keefe) sabotages the U/North case; reeling Clayton headfast into the biggest challenge of his career; unravelling a web of deceit, lies and the evils of what Crowder can do, when backed into a corner.

The performances from the cast are memorable and compelling portrayals of strong characters. Watch-out for O’Keefe’s version of a troubled lawyer turned whistle-blower; and Swinton’s Academy Award performance of a cold and calculating corporate monster. Gilroy has written a strong and earnest thriller that plays well of narrative and although flashbacks has been misused by Hollywood in recent years, Gilroy has used it effectively; and in turn has strengthened Clayton’s character journey.

Gilroy has also been subtle is his story-telling techniques and trusted his audience to be able to interpret the plot-points on their own without the in-your-face theatrics that some directors tend to use in modern cinema.

Michael Clayton is a film that most people will find gratifying and entertaining. It is a well acted and well written film that will understandably stand the test of time.