This story is from February 13, 2008

By George!

Agencies / Feb 13, 2008, 00:00 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

George Clooney talks about the Oscar-nominated 'Michael Clayton' and why he agreed to do the film for free.

doweshowbellyad=0; George Clooney (AP) More picsOscar-winner George Clooney is undoubtedly one of the finest actors Hollywood can boast of today.
Having been voted the sexiest actor for several times in a row, the bachelor boy of Hollywood seems to have beaten age with his charm. One of the hottest contenders for this years Academy Awards, Clooney has been nominated for Best Actor for his role in and as Michael Clayton, which has also been nominated for its direction, screenplay and as Best Picture.
The film centres around Michael Clayton (Clooney) who��s an in-house ��fixer�� at one of the largest corporate law firms in NY. Clayton takes care of the firm��s dirtiest work. Though burned out and hardly content with his job, his divorce, a failed business venture and mounting debt have left him inextricably tied to the firm.
When guilt-ridden attorney Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson) sabotages a crucial case, Clayton faces the biggest challenge of his career and his life. In an exclusive interview with BT, Clooney talks about his Oscar-nominated role and political leanings

Is it true you made Michael Clayton free of charge?
In effect, yes. I didn��t take any money, but I��ll make money if it becomes a success. You win some, you lose some. I lost out on The Good German, for example. But I have made a lot of money from films in the past and now have a choice. Do I do a film like Michael Clayton, which I really believe in? Or do I get bored and well-paid by big studios for those I don��t? I am lucky to have a choice.

How was it working with Tom Wilkinson?
I think Tom learned a lot from me as an actor (laughs). He kept on saying: ��How would you say these lines, George?�� The very first day at work, for me, was the scene in jail with Tom. It was like jumping in to the fire.
What do you think of Tony Gilroy, who��s making his directorial debut with this film?
I don��t like him (laughs). The minute I met Tony and sat down with him I knew he was capable of handling 150 people in a film crew. He has a great script, too. But I don��t like a director who is better looking than me �� and he is!
Could Michael Clayton have had a different ending?
I wanted to tell a good story as the script was written. I look at films made between 1964 and 1976 �� the good ones �� and none of them end well for the characters. I don��t think this one ends particularly well, but there is some satisfaction in it and it makes a moral point. It doesn��t feel like a sell-out at all.
Why are you so politically motivated?
I did Goodnight, Good Luck, and Syriana because I was pi**ed off. I was portrayed in a magazine �� on the cover �� as a traitor to my country for saying that we should ask some questions before we send 150,000 people to be shot at in Iraq.
What is it like walking in to room when you��re as famous as you are? And at what point does it get to be irritating?
There are things which are irritating, like a journalist who asked me about why I do coffee advertisements. I told her, to earn some money. I��m doing the best I can to bring attention to issues like Darfur, war and starvation. There are certain moments when you want to ask them back: ��What are you doing to help the world?��
You grew up around fame, didn��t you?
My father was a big TV journalist star for a time. My aunt, Rosemary, was also big star. I saw it. I saw how little it has to do with you. It is all about luck. I got lucky with the TV show ER. If that hadn��t happened, then I would still be on television or not.
You are about to do a new film with the Coen brothers?
It��s one of the reasons I am growing a beard. There is a lot of testosterone in the family. The Coen film has nothing to do with politics. It��s as wrong as it can be. I wish I could understand it. I tell them: ��I don��t understand it.�� I��m having an affair with a woman played by Tilda Swinton, so I get to work with her again. I need a stepladder, she��s so tall.
Does movie-making make you more conscious of your own responsibility?
The day after I wrapped Michael Clayton, I was on a plane to Darfur. There was something inside of me which made me want to go out and do something else. There��s this weird thing that happens. It��s all about experience.
Do priorities change as you grow older?
The older you get, the more you��re able to participate in other parts of society. If you��re secure in your career you can concentrate on other issues. I have this great group of friends and they have been a great group for 25 years. The older we get, the easier it is to stay close and spend time together. I��ve been very lucky and have great parents, a great sister and a great life.

End of Article