Michael Clayton

The pseudo-Erin Brockovich "evil-conglomerate-poisoning-innocent-people legal drama" plot in Michael Clayton is really a giant Macguffin. The U/North case and all the behind-the scenes machinations are like a giant, enclosed pinball machine inside of which the characters bounce and occasionally collide. It's the characters who are the real purpose of the movie and, though they all have different, often opposing motivations, they all have one thing in common - they live and operate on the dark side of the moral spectrum while aspiring toward righteousness.

First, we have Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson) a lawyer who snaps in grand Network style, after a revelation about the morality of his life's work. He is a man who spent his life being underhanded and suddenly longs to be on the other side, going as far as to cut off all contact with his former life. This, of course, worries his firm, who has millions of dollars riding on his skills, so they send in their in-house fixer, Michael Clayton (George Clooney). Clayton is regularly called in to do the firm's dirtiest dirty work, but, like Arthur, he also longs for a blameless life. the film takes time to show his shattered family life (his attention-starved son, anxious ex, and down-and-out brother), and his dismal financial condition (insurmountable debt from a failed restaurant). The difference between Arthur and Michael is that Michael lives in a world of reality. He knows what he has to do despite his desire to do what is right. The third character is the most interesting. Corporate spokeswoman Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton) is really a good, kind woman who meticulously practices and polishes her strong facade, but in her increasingly desperate attempts to protect her company, she finds herself sinking deeper and deeper into moral quicksand. Arthur and Karen each stand on shaky moral ground and their falls are spectacular and sad. Only Michael - the only character who can accept who he is and what he has to do - stays on his feet.

Michael Clayton is up for seven Academy Awards - three of which are for its actors, and rightfully so. With some of the most well-rounded characters of the year, the film is an acting showcase above all else. The acting categories are tough this year, but I think Tilda Swinton has the best shot of the three. It is also up for Best Score and Best Original Screenplay, but, again, competition is fierce, though if one movie upsets Juno for writing, it will be Michael Clayton. As for Best Director and Best Picture, Michael Clayton is an intimate film that lacks the epic scope of most of its competition. I'm reminded of another movie from a few years ago (also featuring Tom Wilkinson) called In The Bedroom - a highly-nominated actors' showcase which walked away with nothing. Michael Clayton might not do quite that bad, but don't expect a sweep.

Best Supporting Actress

The race for Best Supporting Actress features a wide variety of performances this year. Young Saoirse Ronan got her nomination for a brief but intense performance in Atonement and Amy Ryan put forth an equally intense performance as a grieving mother in Gone Baby Gone. In both cases, I think age will work against them, especially considering the veterans who fill out the category. Cate Blanchett (the only previous winner in this group) plays electric-era Bob Dylan in I'm Not There - a role she shares with several other actors and a clever bit of casting that yielded a bravura performance. If she wins, she will be the second person to win an Oscar for playing a character of the opposite gender (Linda Hunt was the first). This could also be her second win for playing a prominent 20th-Century performer. We shouldn't count out nominee #4, Ruby Dee. Age and experience are always a factor in an Oscar race and sometimes voters will choose the veteran receiving her first nomination over the more challenging performance. I call this the "She was due" argument. Also known as the "Don Ameche Effect." Filling out the category is Tilda Swinton, who plays a reluctantly amoral corporate spokeswoman in Michael Clayton . There are a few reasons why I think she will win. First, the British actress pulls off an excellent American accent. Second, she is the most fully-formed, human character in the bunch. Swinton reveals her character's tough, polished exterior and, in private moments, her regret, fear, and insecurity. Finally, even though she has supporting screen time, she actually has the leading female role in the Michael Clayton cast. Amy Ryan may also claim that distinction, but I think Swinton's performance will get recognized. The vast majority of the voting body is actors and Michael Clayton is clearly an acting showcase above all else. My pick goes to Tilda Swinton.