Michael Clayton (2007)

This "fixer" masterpiece, written and directed by Tony Gilroy, shined light on the underbelly of big business and BigLaw, whether fictional or not. The titular character, played by George Clooney, is a lawyer at a famous New York legal firm entrusted with cleaning up the firm's and its clients' problems. Denzel Washington declined the part and later expressed regret over his decision. With twists and turns and hired hitmen, the story revolves around possession of a classified document linking billion-dollar agricultural company U-North to known production of carcinogenic weed killer. The film explicitly mirrors the world of New York BigLaw by being insular, restrictive, and fast-paced. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including most of the major acting categories. For her creepily corporate portrayal as U-General North's Counsel, Tilda Swinton took home the Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

Director: Tony Gilroy | Stars: George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Michael O'Keefe