Michael Clayton is a 2007 American legal thriller film written and directed by Tony Gilroy in his directorial debut. It stars George Clooney as lawyer Michael Clayton, who discovers a coverup of criminal wrongdoing by one of his firm's clients. Tom Wilkinson, Tilda Swinton, and Sydney Pollack appear in supporting roles. The film had its world premiere on August 31, 2007 at the 64th Venice International Film Festival, where it competed for the Golden Lion.