| It will be intrigue, lies and the legal system when GEORGE CLOONEY's latest film, 'Michael Clayton,' heads into theaters on Friday, Sept. 28 -- but tonight, ET has the exclusive first look at the movie's trailer! Clooney plays Michael Clayton, also known as "The Janitor" by his colleagues, because his job is to clean up the messes of the wealthy clients represented by his employer -- the law firm of Kenner, Bach & Ledeen. Burnt out and discontented in his job, Clayton doesn't have the option of quitting, because a divorce, a gambling habit and a failed business venture have left him without funds. Normally, the problems that Clayton is called upon to fix are hit-and-runs, shoplifting wives or ugly stories in the press, but in 'Michael Clayton,' he is tasked with repairing a disaster so large in scope, it brings him face to face with the reality of who he has become -- and it isn't a pretty picture. The film is written and directed by TONY GILROY, whose inspiration for the story about a man who works in a back-of-the-house department of a law firm came while visiting law offices as part of his research for his 'The Devil's Advocate' screenplay. "Michael is a complicated character," Gilroy explains. "All of the traits that have served him so well before -- his charm, his ease, his authority -- none of those things are of much use to him as the story progresses. All the charisma in the world isn't going to help you find your way home when you're lost. Lots of actors say they want to play parts like that, but it takes a certain kind of bravery and ambition to hang your neck out there and really do it." In Academy Award-winner George Clooney, Gilroy had his man. "George feels like New York," the writer/director says. "He's got all the chops, and he's intelligent and charming. He can be very convincing and conflicted, which made him perfect for the role." Joining Clooney in the cast are TILDA SWINTON, who plays litigator Karen Crowder, an employee of U/North, the company whose lawsuit is headed toward disaster; and TOM WILKINSON plays Arthur Edens, the brilliant attorney who sabotages the case. Also in the cast is SYDNEY POLLACK, playing Kenner, Bach & Ledeen's co-founder Marty Bach. It is the mess caused when Edens has a breakdown that Clayton is sent in to fix, giving "The Janitor" the worst four days of his career. ET |
