Tom Wilkinson as Arthur Edens

The film Michael Clayton has a bevy of scintillating performances, not the least of which given by Tom Wilkinson. Wilkinson may enjoy the distinction of being That Guy for some people. That Guy who you see in a lot of films, but never know his name. This British actor's supporting turn is a beautiful addition to the movie given Wilkinson's interpretation of an overworked lawyer with a crisis of conscience. His performance emphasizes the thin line between derangement and genius.

A little context first, Wilkinson plays Arthur Edens, a senior litigator of Kenner, Bauch, and Ledeen, in the midst of a 6-year case involving dangerous insecticides and a large corporation called U North. The film's main action centers on Arthur Edens mental collapse and the fallout that results from his ridiculous behavior. Edens reaches his breaking point with the case, no longer able to support the venomous actions of the evil corporation. He soon goes rogue sending the firm and the company into a mad dash to prevent his outlandish actions.

Michael Clayton - "I'm not the enemy" by warnerbrospictures

Wilkinson's character, until this point in the film, is bat-shit crazy. In an effort to cleanse his mind and cast off his sedation he skips his prescribed medication. This results in him taking off his clothes in the middle of a deposition and professing his love for a witness in the case while chasing her naked across a parking lot. So at this point, his character has little credibility; he is certainly a wild-card that must be accounted for, but has not true authority in terms of intellect. The excellent part about this scene is his emotional turn: the audience thinks of him as a loon for most of the film, but in this scene, Edens character is revealed to be more of a threat than once expected. Yes, he's crazy, but he still has a sharp legal mind that will demand more skill for Michael Clayton to threaten or trick him.

Take a look at the blocking of this scene. Wilkinson plays a majority of the scene deferring to Clooney. His shoulders are hunched forward; he's looking down. Wilkinson's blocking suggests that he is ashamed, like he's crazy or something. The audience is comfortable with this notion considering the fact that he is off his medication and acting irrationally. Now, the turning point of the scene happens midway through when Clayton tells Edens, "Don't make it easy for them." It's truly great direction by Tony Gilroy because at this crucial moment, they lock eyes, almost like a standoff in a Western. There is a noticeable shift in tone in the scene. Afterwards, Edens, composed with a slight sense of compassion, points out that Clayton is nothing more than a bag-man and that he is in no position to make him do anything. With a straight and nonplussed attitude, he firmly delivers the line, assured, and confident. He continues his hunched stance, but slowly puffs his chest out. During the scene, he engages eye contact more and more as he continues his speech, challenging Clayton both argumentatively and physically.

The scene is all about power. Clayton attempts to bluff Edens into thinking that Edens is running out of options and needs to relinquish control. But with Edens' sharp mind and legal prowess, he does not relent; he's holding the Aces.

Finely acted and directed, this is one of my favorite scenes of the film. The end is killer as well.

Michael Clayton
I'm not the enemy

Arthur Edens
Then, who are you?