Michael Clayton is a legal thriller film released in 2007. The film was directed and written by Tony Gilroy and produced by Jennifer Fox. The lead roles were portrayed by George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, and Tom Wilkinson.
The story starts with Michael Clayton (George Clooney) who is a fixer or 'The Cleaner' for a high-end law firm called Kenner, Bach & Ledeen. His job is to fix problems and put out fires for the firm's powerful clients. However, the tables are turned when one of the firm's top litigators named Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson) suffers a nervous breakdown in the middle of a major class action lawsuit against a chemical company.
Clayton is called in to sort out the situation and discovers that the lawsuit revolves around a chemical product called U-North, which is causing cancer in farmers who use it. Arthur has stumbled upon some incriminating evidence that proves the chemical company's guilt. However, his breakdown has left the case in jeopardy, and Clayton must keep it on track while negotiating with the plaintiffs' attorney Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton).
The situation gets even more complicated when Clayton realizes that his employer has suppressed some of the evidence and is trying to settle the case for a lower amount. Clayton must struggle with his conscience as he considers his loyalty to his firm versus his obligation to do the right thing.
Through Clayton's effort to get to the bottom of the situation, he uncovers a web of lies and conspiracies that go all the way up to the top of the legal and corporate world. Along the way, he risks his career and even his life to bring the truth to light and ensure justice is served.
Michael Clayton is a gripping legal thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats from start to finish. It provides an intriguing glimpse into the cutthroat world of corporate law and the high stakes involved in multi-billion dollar lawsuits. The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.