The Fixer
There’s a scene in Michael Clayton that made me stop the DVD, stand up and clap for the writer-director Tony Gilroy and his star, George Clooney. In the scene, Michael’s 10-year-old son Henry sees his alcoholic uncle Tim weeping and trying to talk to his father. Michael hustles the kid into the car and drives away, then he stops the car and talks to him. That’s not going to happen to you, he says, You’re tougher than that. Then he goes on to say that weakness abounds in the world, but the kid shouldn’t worry because he’s strong. What he’s really saying is, You’re better than I am. I wish parents were that honest with their kids. All they can really do is tell their children the truth: that life is hard but they are tough, and the failures of their elders should not poison their lives.
The movie, by the way, is smart and great fun: the study of a man who figures he’s already sold his soul cheaply, but finds there’s something left. How did Clooney, the prototype of the man who is envied by other men, get so good at playing honorable borderline losers? A star has become an actor.
Answers to questions you might be asking, unless you wandered onto this site purely by accident >>>
January 22nd, 2008 at 10:21
can’t wait to read your mini-review on juno.
January 22nd, 2008 at 12:46
Since you gave this movie a favorable review, I’ll not overlook it on my next visit sa dibidihan.
January 22nd, 2008 at 18:38
Yes, “Michael Clayton” starring George Clooney is already up for grabs at your favorite dibidi stores along R. Hidalgo street in downtown Quiapo. And so are “No Country For Old Men” starring the fabulous Javier Bardem & the comebacking Tommy Lee Jones; & “There Will Be Blood” with Oscar contender Daniel Day Lewis. I cannot guarantee the quality of the prints, though. Most of the latest titles are promo copies or film transfers not intended for commercial distribution, yet they end up in this ‘wonderful’ place, a haven for the film- & pseudo film-buff. As they say, “puede na ring pagtiyagaan”.
January 23rd, 2008 at 09:29
thanks, on behalf of my husband :)
January 24th, 2008 at 05:21
I was floored by that scene too, along with the great final scene with Clooney in a cab as the credits roll.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:24
coming from a persona like you, this movie must be really great. I’d likewise see if i can grab a copy.