Michael Clayton Deserves Its Best Picture Nomination Posted by: Victoria Lance

In the drama Michael Clayton, staring George Clooney as a "fixer" for a New York corporate law firm, all of the performances are excellent, but it is the story - with all its twists and turns - that outshines the characterizations. George Clooney takes on a role that is difficult and arbitrary, and yet, evokes sympathy from the audience. The plot strings the viewer up and holds him there throughout the entire movie. It is engrossing and fascinating, and yet, as believable as yesterday's news.

The story begins with Clayton's having to sell off his failed enterprise of a bar and all he has invested in it. This "sell out" leads us to the next "sell out", his position in a law firm primarily catering to the insurance corporate interests. After witnessing his long-time partner's nervous breakdown, brought on by too many years of playing the corporate law hypocricy game, Clayton sets out to get to the real truth of what drove this brilliant man over the edge.

As the story unfolds, the audience is taken back and forth through a series of events that lead up to a surprise ending that not only makes perfect sense, but makes us wish mystical revelations could bring about justice in the real world.

"Michael Clayton" deserves its nomination for Best Picture from the Academy Awards, and George Clooney will most likely win the award for Best Actor. Nicely done.