The Divergent View: The Meaning In MICHAEL CLAYTON 

I think the three horses also represent family. After he escapes the car wreck, he gets help from both of his brothers - he gets a ride from Tim, and gets his cop brother to help take down Karen. For Michael, "knowing thyself" means reconnecting with his family, even those that have wronged him.

Great analysis. Wonderful video. Thank you

Outstanding. Going to a funeral of a child hood friend age 58. Cancer. Landscape Gardener small business operator. I work as a lawyer. You hit my buttons in every way here. You have some Grisham in your head there maybe.

I saw him as a cold cynical owl at first, but his character is very complicated and he does have a positive relationship with family. Probably happier than most of the other lawyers there.

This film means so much to me. And you've shed some new light on it. Thank you.

Very thoughtful. The more I think about the story the better it gets. Thanks.

This was awesome man. You've got a great style with this kind of stuff

The final taxi scene indicates that Michael has gone from knowing himself to actually being himself. He has gone on a journey and now knows who he is...I thought it was very similar to Apocalypse Now with Wilkinson as Kurtz and Michael sent on a journey down the river to bring him back...New York as a corporate Vietnam, legal actions as a form of brutal deadly war devoid of any sense of justice, and the lawyers as the unforgiving military, with some being willing to terminate with extreme prejudice...

I love this movie; great story, direction, writing, and acting. George Clooney nails his character. Actually made me a fan.

Multiple & Myriad Symbolism going on in this Masterpiece,Tony Gilroy is Genius:)

Damn. That was a mighty fine analysis. I find myself coming back to 'Michael Clayton' every so often. There is a heavy weight to the themes of the movie. They're not spelled out for you, but once intuited, it feels like a suit of armor for the mind. Appreciate the work.

I have to say man... I just watched this movie for the first time last night and your analysis blew me away. So many RU-vidrs just summarize the film in the vein of blanketing it as analysis, but you actually went for it. The knight symbolism is something I didn't pick up on in the first watch (admittedly I was enjoying a few glasses of wine through my viewing) but I think it's pretty solid even though you say it's not concrete. I thought it was very good when I thought about it before bed, but after taking in more context with your videos, I'm comfortable with calling it great. I think a big weakness of films like this coming out in 2007 is that there isn't a lot of spectacle. It's a character drama and that doesn't appeal to a lot of people. Lastly, I thought another poignant use of symbolism is Michael taking a taxi around town at the end. He no longer has his Mercedes, the horse that was given to him by the company. That company is a king he's no longer loyal to.

Thank you for making this video

I've seen this film about 8-9 times and love your analysis.

Great analysis. I've watched this movie 10+ times and you still surfaced things I'd never recognized before. Well done!

Amazing take on the film I’d like it twice if I was able to

Great stuff Rob...on my fave flick..more power to ya from Down Under

Pay attention. Be present. Great points! Loved your analysis.

Rob - is not the sharing of bread from Arthur to Michael symbolic of the Last Supper? Michael later becomes a disciple of Arthur’s ministry.

good stuff!

Amazing review. Thank you. Keep it up.

That was very profound. One of my favorite films given new life with your insight. The bit about being present saving him is really moving. I never thought of it that way.

Really fascinating analysis of this great film. Well done! I think this film finds Michael continuing to evolve. The Gambling scene is important because it sets up how what might have been a compulsion for Michael the year before is controlled and deliberate. He laughs off the other gambler trying to goad and bait him, with humor and self confidence. I also find it fascinating that despite deciding to risk a great deal to do the right thing, at the end he makes it clear that “As the fixer” he still has the capability to do whatever is necessary.

Great analysis of a great (and underrated) film. Good at ya.

Honestly this movie was pretty confusing for me but makes all the sense after watching this. Great film, great analysis

I enjoy your analysis and your video composition. Thanks.

I thought of another similar film that very much relates to your 3 horses interpretation about Michael taking his own path, as opposed to Arthur’s or Tru North’s paths. It is another legal thriller - The Firm (directed by Sydney Pollock I believe who is in M. Clayton!) In The Firm, character Mitch Mcdeere (Tom Cruise) also has 3 paths before him - that of the FBIs in which he’ll “do the right thing” but lose his license. Or the firm’s way which is lucrative but unethical. Or his OWN way where he can keep his license to practice law, appease the FBI, and come out with a clean conscience. Like Michael Clayton, he chooses his own way.

Arthur asks Michael Do you have the Horses for that?

Well done!

Rob, thank you, I feel grateful to have found your video and think this is a movie that could withstand so many hours of analysis. I am with you on everything, though I have a question for you that I have a theory about but would love to get your opinion on (and will happily share mine if you’d be so kind as to respond). When Michael is heading out to deal with Walter and the nav goes out in his Benz, do you think that holds any significance greater than his life is kind of “on the fritz”? Thanks again and certainly no need to respond but would love your take on it because I don’t feel like Mr. Gilroy would have included it for no reason.

On my reading, the 3 horses represent 3 of the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse. War, pestilence, famine. He is the fourth horseman. Death. In addition, Arthur the name is a reference to a King Arthur type figure. Great video.

i often get frustrated at my inability, even as a writer, to identify the symbolism you so eloquently point out. i looked for meaning in the scene when Arthur buys all the bread. I think it fits with your analysis of being childish. but it also fit with what I saw as a Christ-like figure, feeding the hungry in his own weird way only to be sacrificed later.

These scenes were recorded ten minutes from me