Michael Clayton (mikelclayton)

A profoundly disturbing film, it is nevertheless a well-constructed and executed one. One of the smartest decisions Pasolini made in the way the film was executed was the way the film slowly begins as an over-the-top outlandish sort of film, and the tone gets more and more serious and chilling. Even the ending shot, surreal and meant to be comical in nature, is horrifying in juxtaposition of what has occurred on the screen. The lack of compassion the libertines show for their victims is horrendous, and clearly a condemnation on that political mentality that couldn't be much more derogatory. This is a film I would recommend to only a few as it is certainly willing to push its extremities far, but for those who can stomach it the overall effect is very penetrating.

This film is primarily an excuse to execute various antics and loony setpieces (including hand puppets and the ludicrous "Serpentine" movement scene), but it succeeds in being a very fun viewing experience. Peter Falk's insane know-it-all con artist/possible CIA agent is very likeable despite his many faults, and Alan Arkin's interactions with him are beyond priceless. Arkin has the pleasure of having painfully funny dialogue throughout the film, but it is likely only as funny as it is in this film because Arkin is comedically brilliant as a regulary joe exasperated with Falk's antics. A relentlessly fun film that still holds up many years later.