“…Michael. Dear Michael.” So begins MICHAEL CLAYTON, one of the best movies of the 21st century. And I know I’m not alone in this assessment.
MICHAEL CLAYTON is an absolute banger of a screenplay. You know when people on socials ask, “Hey, what’s a screenplay you’d suggest to someone looking to learn how to do it right?” Well, this is on my shortlist. And George Clooney, what can I say other than this is the best role in his entire career. It’s movie perfection. Plus, Tom Wilkinson’s character with his grocery bag is a sly treasure for the ages.
But in this moment, I want to highlight one of the all-time great lines for character introduction, for Marty Bach, Michael’s boss, the one who runs the show.
“A velvet switchblade.” Go ahead and put that right next to “rock’n roll arsonist” in the pantheon of great descriptors.