Every George Clooney Movie, Ranked

As a lifelong film enthusiast who has spent countless hours marveling at the silver screen, I have to say that George Clooney‘s career is nothing short of extraordinary. While his good looks and charm are undeniably captivating, it’s his versatility as an actor that truly sets him apart.

This list, initially released on December 24, 2020, has been revised to include additional roles he has assumed since then, most recently as “Wolfs.

In an engaging article published by The New Yorker in 2008, George Clooney discusses the most valuable piece of advice he received as an actor. Unlike tips about managing his career or choosing roles, or dealing with the allure of fame, this advice was surprisingly practical: During filming for ER, Steven Spielberg observed him on set and pointed at the screen, saying, “If you keep your head still, you’ll become a movie star.

It’s significant to mention that when Steven Spielberg was filming ER, George Clooney had already reached the age of 33, marking his long-awaited major break after spending years on TV guest roles, commercials, and sequels for Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. This certainly resonates with Clooney, an actor who was still green (and sporting quite lengthy hair) in his twenties and didn’t truly find his footing until he had gone through numerous trials. By the time he reached stardom, he was prepared – and dedicated to it. An up-and-coming actor might have resented Spielberg’s guidance; however, Clooney embraced it, learned from it, and adapted accordingly. Soon enough, it became clear that Spielberg was right – Clooney indeed had the makings of a movie star. The twist was that he simply needed to grow old enough to feel like an old-school icon.

George Clooney’s most recent movie, titled “Wolves,” is now streaming on Apple TV+, and to celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of 35 significant performances from his film career. In many aspects, Clooney embodies the ideal movie star while simultaneously defying our preconceived notions of one (it might surprise you to know that he hasn’t always been as financially successful as people may believe). However, despite not every film being a success, there’s a consistent theme: Clooney approaches each role and film with a genuine dedication, even when the material is light-hearted or humorous. He truly cares about his craft, especially since he took on the role of Batman.

35. Batman & Robin (1997)

George Clooney has apologized so frequently for his portrayal of Batman in Joel Schumacher’s notorious flop that it’s becoming hard to take him at his word: Over a decade ago, his self-deprecation began feeling more like boasting, and it hasn’t stopped since. Despite this being over 20 years later, Clooney continues to discuss the role. While Clooney isn’t the worst aspect of “Batman & Robin”—there are many other contenders, with Chris O’Donnell taking the top spot—he was still quite poor. This is mainly because he played the part without any hint of irony or camp, making him seem less like a movie star and more like a TV actor out of his depth. His performance as Batman appears more focused on career advancement rather than a genuine interest in the role. Unlike most actors who’ve portrayed the Dark Knight, even Ben Affleck, Clooney seems to lack depth: He’s just a bland action figure with a sharp chin and little else. We’d be grateful if he would let us forget about this performance.

34. Return of the Killer Tomatoes (1988)

Clooney’s starring role in this parody sequel turned into a fun punch line once he became a star, but it’s worth noting that he probably saw it as a big career break when he got the part. He was already 27 and getting a little old in Hollywood terms when he signed on for what can best be described as the Robert Hays–in–Airplane! role of the handsome hero in a wacky-high-jinks comedy. While Clooney is game and can land a joke or two, the movie never considers him interesting enough to let him do anything but be Bland Leading Man who occasionally cracks a one-liner. For a frame of reference: He was still three years away from showing up as Roseanne’s boss on Roseanne when he made this.

33. Red Surf (1989)

Upcoming Role for Clooney: Taking on the gritty street character! Imagine if Point Break was directed by someone other than Kathryn Bigelow; this movie offers just that, with George Clooney and future Melrose Place actor Doug Savant portraying surfer outlaws entangled in the drug underworld. (Things don’t end positively.) Strangely enough, Gene Simmons is also featured in this film, and as you might expect, it’s not great. However, it’s worth mentioning that Clooney received some favorable reviews for his performance, with the Los Angeles Times‘ Kevin Thomas praising him for having “genuine charm, ability, and star quality.” It would be some time before people began to share this sentiment.

32. Money Monster (2016)

In his latest roles, it’s clear that Clooney is operating within certain constraints, as evidenced by his portrayal of a smug, TV host character reminiscent of Jim Cramer. In the film “Money Monster,” directed by Jodie Foster, he plays a shallow character who gets held hostage during a live broadcast by an armed man (Jack O’Connell) who lost money following his financial advice. The movie, which shares some similarities with “Dog Day Afternoon,” delivers its message quite forcefully, but Clooney fails to infuse his caricatured character with much nuance or unexpected elements.

31. Wolfs (2024)

Working alongside Brad Pitt, who was his ideal co-star in the three Ocean’s films, might have seemed like a smart move. However, this Apple TV+ original – originally planned for a cinematic release but arguably more suited for watching during household chores like folding laundry – seems to portray both actors as lifeless figurines of themselves. They scowl, they smirk, they ham it up, they speak so quickly that it gives the impression of sharp banter, even when neither character has anything meaningful to share. Wolfs is essentially a showcase of two movie stars standing still, allowing their brands and personas to carry the weight, and they appear to acknowledge from the start that there isn’t much substance to work with. Clooney adopts the disinterested demeanor of a celebrity filming an ad for a coffee brand he’s unfamiliar with. The ambitious actor who collaborated with the Coen brothers and was open to daring, innovative projects with Soderbergh is nowhere to be found here. This performance lacks the energy and enthusiasm one would expect from George Clooney, instead resembling the lethargic, complacent performances typically associated with George Hamilton.

30. The Good German (2006)

In theory, “The Good German” seems like it could be an outstanding film. Director Steven Soderbergh largely stuck to the filmmaking methods of the 1940s, such as incandescent lighting, boom microphones, and Universal soundstages, aiming to create a timeless black-and-white masterpiece akin to the era. He selected veteran actors Cate Blanchett and Clooney for the romantic leads, giving an impression reminiscent of “Casablanca”. Regrettably, “The Good German” is smothered by its stylistic choices and affectation, leaving little room for authenticity. Although Clooney portrays an old-time movie star convincingly, his performance appears overly theatrical. The entire production, despite striving for realism, feels artificial; nothing, including Clooney’s acting, seems to function effectively.

29. Leatherheads (2008)

As a fervent admirer, I must confess that tackling “Leatherheads” would be a daunting challenge for any director. It’s an anarchic, vintage comedy set in the pioneering era of professional football, striving to be a vibrant tribute to a bygone era while simultaneously aiming to be a contemporary, sincere showcase for stars. Regrettably, it unfortunately becomes a jumbled puzzle, with Clooney over-emphasizing the humor and excessively mugging. The film was jointly penned by the witty Rick Reilly, former Sports Illustrated columnist, and it reflects this: “Leatherheads” feels like a string of jokes your uncle might share on the golf course. This production is indeed unique as it’s the only one where Clooney sports eye black, not to mention John Krasinski and Renee Zellweger also grace the screen!

28. Welcome to Collinwood (2002)

Before movies like “Avengers: Endgame” or “Community” even graced our screens, the Russo Brothers had already created a hilarious, innocuous comedy about a group of bumbling misfits trying to pull off their one big heist. George Clooney was already a household name by this time and was venturing into production (he co-produced “Welcome to Collinwood” with Soderbergh). However, this film is less of a Coen Brothers tribute and more of a playful imitation. As the years passed, both the Russo Brothers and George Clooney grew in their craft, eventually leading him to spend more time with the actual Coen Brothers.

27. The Monuments Men (2014)

The fifth directorial venture by George Clooney, starring an impressive cast including Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Bill Murray, and himself, seemed like a surefire hit: a World War II heist movie. However, the film fell flat due to Clooney’s focus on the era and atmosphere rather than the heist itself, which led to slow-paced scenes that sucked the energy out of the film. Additionally, Clooney’s performance in the lead role was lackluster, as if he wasn’t fully committed to his role as a leading man. The movie needed the quick-wittedness of the Coen brothers or the grandeur of Clint Eastwood, but unfortunately, it didn’t deliver either. In essence, “The Monuments Men” failed to live up to its potential.

26. The Peacemaker (1997)

Clooney was still trying to get his movie-star footing with this actioner (by his old ER director Mimi Leder), which was clearly supposed to slingshot off his presumed career-exploding role as Batman from earlier that summer. Once that didn’t work out, Clooney was stuck with this middling, mostly competent, but not particularly exciting political thriller featuring Clooney and Nicole Kidman (also regularly being misused at this point in her career) trying to stop a nuclear bomb from going off at the U.N. Remember that old Ben Stiller joke about Owen Wilson winning an Oscar for Best Running? Clooney would have had a real chance to be nominated for this movie.

25. One Fine Day (1996)

During the initial phase of George Clooney’s fame when he still sported his iconic Caesar haircut, the film “One Fine Day” was made, a lighthearted romantic comedy so insignificant that it quickly fades from memory before it even ends. In this movie, Clooney portrays a newspaper reporter, even sharing scenes with the late Pete Hamill, who, like Michelle Pfeiffer’s character Melanie, is a weary, overworked single parent. Due to circumstances, they spend the entire day assisting each other in child care arrangements. Incredibly, they manage to fall in love despite this setup. The film is innocuous and easily forgotten, with Clooney delivering a performance that reflects this: He presents as all charisma but lacking substance, fading swiftly from your view.

24. Tomorrowland (2015)

George Clooney hasn’t quite lived up to the blockbuster leading man image portrayed by the media and tabloids, but that may be more a reflection of our expectations rather than his talent. His old-school charm often works against him in today’s world. In Brad Bird’s flop, a film intended to launch another Disney adventure, Clooney’s nostalgic vibe overshadows the present, making it feel outdated and disconnected from reality. Despite his performance in Tomorrowland, playing an eccentric, solitary inventor makes him seem less impactful rather than more so. He gets lost amidst all the excessive special effects, as does everyone else involved. Much like many of Clooney’s missteps, this film leaves you wanting to appreciate it much more than you actually do.

23. Intolerable Cruelty (2003)

During this span between the films “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “No Country for Old Men“, the Coen brothers were arguably in a creative transition phase, and George Clooney chose to join them in this period for this film. This movie is characterized by its strained humor, mild amusement, but predominantly distracted tone. It’s implied that the script was written for hire years before, and it wasn’t one of their heartfelt or deeply passionate projects.

22. The Midnight Sky (2020)

Contrary to the impression given by the marketing strategy, George Clooney’s latest directorial project, “The Midnight Sky,” isn’t primarily centered around him as a star. Instead, he portrays Augustine, a lone scientist in an Arctic base following a global disaster, who is responsible for caring for a young girl (Caoilinn Springall) left behind after the evacuation. The primary focus of the storyline, however, revolves around a spaceship carrying actors such as Felicity Jones, David Oyelowo, and Kyle Chandler, returning to Earth. This relegates Clooney’s narrative to a basic survival tale. Although he delivers an empathetic performance, it seems that he might have preferred someone else to play the role so he could concentrate on directing. Overall, while it’s good to see him back in action, this film doesn’t necessarily showcase his best work.

21. The Thin Red Line (1998)

In this Terrence Malick movie, Clooney’s performance isn’t low due to his lack of skill, but rather because he appears infrequently. Typically, actors find themselves on the sidelines in Malick films, but even with a minor role, Clooney delivers a compelling portrayal as a commanding officer who delivers an arrogant speech at the end of The Thin Red Line. This speech, given after our main characters have been through tremendous hardship again, takes on an added layer of irony and patheticness in light of their experiences. If you’re interested in viewing his full performance, take a look here:

20. Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002)

In the whimsical mind of Chuck Barris, who bears little resemblance to actual reality, the ex-host of The Gong Show was a covert CIA assassin. This intriguing notion was even asserted in his own account of events, an unauthorized autobiography. Screenwriter Charlie Kaufman took on the task of transforming this bizarre tale into a film, resulting in Clooney’s directorial debut – a quirky, amusing, and somewhat puzzling endeavor. Sam Rockwell delivers a captivating yet absurd portrayal of Barris as both a charmer and a trained killer. In the movie, Clooney enlists Brad Pitt and Matt Damon to appear as contestants on The Gong Show, lending it an air of casual star-studded fun. Clooney himself stars as Barris’s CIA contact, but much like the film itself, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind often leaves one questioning whether it’s meant to be taken seriously or not. Despite these ambiguities, this is undoubtedly the most lighthearted and enjoyable movie Clooney has ever directed.

19. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

In 1996, Quentin Tarantino held significant influence in Hollywood. He managed to breathe life into an aged script about bloodsucking vampires and rough-riding bikers, even securing a role for himself as the unstable brother of George Clooney’s more level-headed bank robber. Their fateful stop at a Mexican bar leads them into a battle against the undead. Despite its madness, “From Dusk Till Dawn” remains entertaining after 25 years, and if you look closely, Tarantino isn’t too terrible as an actor, although the movie could have been improved with a seasoned professional in his place. As for Clooney, he towered over Tarantino, but at that time, he was still grappling with certain mannerisms that Steven Spielberg had warned him about – there are plenty of sideways glances and poses. However, Clooney’s decision to star in the movie demonstrated his determination to make a successful transition from television to films.

18. The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)

Under Grant Heslov’s direction, following his collaboration with Clooney post-Soderbergh, the film The Men Who Stare at Goats is inspired by an extraordinary true account: The United States Army experimented with psychic warfare training for a while. In this movie, Clooney plays a devoted Special Forces officer, whose beliefs in psychic abilities are put to the test against a cynical journalist portrayed by Ewan McGregor. Though the comedic tone veers a bit, Clooney gives a nuanced performance as his character, who views his duty as a ‘Jedi warrior’ with profound conviction, inviting the reporter on a classified mission in the Middle East. Despite the character’s apparent foolishness, Clooney’s portrayal of the officer’s unwavering faith in psychic abilities—specifically, their potential to resolve conflicts peacefully—is surprisingly heartwarming.

17. Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)

In “Good Night, and Good Luck,” George Clooney follows a consistent trend in his directorial projects: He prefers to keep the focus on other actors. This film, which portrays Edward R. Murrow’s fight against the Red Scare in the 1950s, boasts an impressive lineup including Patricia Clarkson, Jeff Daniels, Frank Langella, and Robert Downey Jr. However, it’s David Strathairn’s powerful portrayal of Murrow that truly steals the show. Clooney plays Fred Friendly, Murrow’s dedicated producer, but his character takes a backseat intentionally, allowing the other actors to take center stage. It speaks volumes about Clooney’s generosity that he willingly steps into the background, letting his co-stars shine brightly.

16. The Ides of March (2011)

In the vein of Beau Willimon’s later work like “House of Cards,” “The Ides of March” is a gripping drama centered around a campaign manager (played by Ryan Gosling) who strives to secure the Democratic presidential nomination for a charismatic yet questionable politician (Clooney). At the time, the film may have seemed relevant, but in truth, it delves more into the imaginative realms of screenwriters rather than actual politics. Remarkably similar to “House of Cards,” this movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast (which includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, and Evan Rachel Wood). However, Clooney’s direction leaves something to be desired, as his earnest approach and tendency to deliver lengthy speeches detract from the film’s impact. Nonetheless, it’s intriguing to witness Clooney portray a villain: there’s an unsettling air of privileged malevolence that he effectively brings to life in this movie.

15. Hail, Caesar! (2016)

In the humorous tribute to 1950’s Hollywood, “Hail, Caesar!”, Baird Whitlock is portrayed as a character reminiscent of George Clooney, yet with a touch from the Coen Brothers. He’s good-looking but not overly intelligent, and he gets abducted by communist screenwriters who eventually convert him to their beliefs. The film leans more towards humor than insight, and Clooney appears to relish his role as an unintentional movie star who’s never had a profound thought in his fortunate life. However, the Coen Brothers delve deeper into other characters’ narratives – specifically, Josh Brolin’s troubled fixer and Alden Ehrenreich’s apprehensive young actor – leaving Clooney to play the part of an easily forgettable dimwit amicably.

14. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

It’s quite surprising that the Coen brothers’ film, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, became such a massive success, ranking as their fourth-highest grossing movie and undeniably their most popular soundtrack. In my opinion, George Clooney seems to overplay his role as Ulysses Everett McGill, an escapee from prison embarking on his own journey; it feels like he based his entire performance on the Dapper Dan hair cream his character is fixated with. However, given the chaotic nature of “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, it’s hard to fault him for going along with the flow. Additionally, this movie serves as a humorous reminder of how amusing it is to watch George Clooney get struck in the face or fall off a train.

13. Solaris (2002)

In my opinion, one of George Clooney’s most contentious films is “Solaris,” an adaptation of Stanisław Lem’s sci-fi novel that was also transformed into a thoughtful 1972 drama by Andrei Tarkovsky. This movie, released over Thanksgiving weekend in 2002 and perhaps not well received due to its slow pace and somber tone, tells the story of a widowed doctor (played by Clooney) who journeys to a distant space station, only to find his deceased wife (Natascha McElhone) mysteriously aboard. Despite its mixed reception, I believe “Solaris,” a production shared with Steven Soderbergh, is a valiant, commendable attempt worth exploring. Clooney’s performance is particularly noteworthy as he effectively portrays the emotional turmoil of a man grappling with an unexplained universe-given respite.

12. Burn After Reading(2008)

When the Coen-brothers comedy “Burn After Reading” was released following the Oscar win for “No Country for Old Men”, it initially seemed insignificant and amusing. However, over time, perhaps due to memes, GIFs, and Brad Pitt’s hilarious, exaggerated performance, it has gained appreciation. Pitt’s portrayal is so outrageously flamboyant that George Clooney seems subdued in comparison, yet he still enjoys himself, delivering his unique brand of idiocy. (He still finds time for a workout.) And to avoid spoilers, Pitt’s final scene with him is simply remarkable.

11. The Perfect Storm (2000)

Ever mindful of appearing overly polished, like Cary Grant (who hails from the Midwest), Clooney delves deep into the persona of a working-class man in this account of the Andrea Gail, a vessel famously lost at sea as chronicled by Sebastian Junger in his gripping bestseller. The Perfect Storm provided a fitting, masculine role for Clooney to embrace at that stage of his career; he portrays a ship’s captain, and although it seems unusual that he doesn’t sport a larger beard, he immerses himself convincingly in the part. Clooney exudes an air of Bogart-like leading man here, though perhaps he should reconsider attempting that Gloucester accent again.

10. The American (2010)

Fundamentally, Clooney’s portrayal in the sleek, stylish, and philosophical European crime drama titled “The American” places him in the shoes of Jean-Pierre Melville’s character, a detached assassin named Jack, who seeks refuge and eventually finds himself entangled with a captivating danger (Violante Placido). Given Clooney’s innate charm, it’s intriguing to witness him embody such a character, whose essence lies in maintaining a protective barrier. Critics were split on their opinions, and the public didn’t flock to see it, making the film somewhat of an odd fit among Clooney’s career highlights. To clarify, “The American” may not appeal to everyone — and it does exhibit a deliberate homage to its sources — but this movie offers a thought-provoking, satisfying departure from an actor who was willing to take chances even during his peak of fame.

9. Gravity (2013)

If you’re embarking on your first space voyage, having someone like Matt Kowalski by your side would be invaluable – especially if the situation turns as dire as it did for Sandra Bullock’s character, Ryan Stone, in ‘Gravity’. Kowalski, a witty and composed individual who exuded calmness even in the face of adversity, served as a mentor to Stone. This allowed George Clooney to deliver one of his most heartfelt performances in recent times. The impact of Clooney’s performance in ‘Gravity’ is such that you can almost feel the tension when he leaves her. (It’s also the surprise of seeing an actor of his stature not making it to the end of the film.) Without Kowalski’s wisdom and expertise, could this novice survive on their own? She does, but her story remains inspiring; you can’t help but reflect on Kowalski, drifting away into nothingness.

8. Up in the Air (2009)

In a different era, Clooney would have been an excellent fit for the ’80s, particularly as the lead in a movie like “Bonfire of the Vanities.” Visualize a younger version of him, embodying the character flawlessly. He embodies a unique form of capitalist spirit in Jason Reitman’s comedy about frequent flyers, job losses, and modern solitude. However, the loneliness portrayed in the film seems less isolating during a pandemic, making those premium sky clubs appear less lonely than our homes today. The movie’s politics were clearer in 2009 but seem vague and soft in 2020. Clooney delivers an outstanding performance as a man who can distance himself from anyone who might care about him. This role earned him one of his four acting Oscar nominations, and at the time, “Up in the Air” seemed significant. Yet, it’s interesting to see how little impact it has today.

7. Three Kings (1999)

It’s common knowledge that there was conflict between George Clooney and director David O. Russell during the filming of “Three Kings,” which at one point escalated into a physical altercation. Whether this strife benefited or hindered the movie, it’s indisputable that “Three Kings” played a significant role in solidifying Clooney’s transformation from the romantic lead on “ER” to a bona fide leading man. In “Three Kings,” he portrays Archie Gates, a battle-hardened soldier nearing the end of his service during the Persian Gulf War. When he and his comrades (Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube) discover a cache of gold that could be theirs, they embark on a mission reminiscent of “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.” In this film, Clooney demonstrates a ruggedness seldom seen in his previous roles, playing a soldier who gradually develops a sense of moral responsibility upon witnessing the impact of America’s desert campaign on the local populace. For reasons that may seem justifiable, “Three Kings” is not a movie that Clooney often discusses today. However, it holds great importance in his early career as a star.

6. Syriana (2005)

In his first Oscar win (he later won for producing Argo), George Clooney received the award for his performance as Bob Barnes, a CIA agent who’s emotionally drained and sent on one final mission in the film Syriana. Given the storyline, it’s no surprise that things don’t turn out well for him. What truly impressed the Academy was Clooney’s portrayal of a character so spiritually depleted, which showcased his acting range. Notably, he gained 30 pounds for the role. The character embodied a jaded, disillusioned individual who excelled at his grim profession but had long given up on the idea that he was truly making America safer. This role resonated deeply with Clooney, one of Hollywood’s most optimistic and active stars, due to the raw cynicism it portrayed. From the beginning, Bob Barnes seemed like a man already doomed, and Clooney effectively conveys this sense of impending doom throughout the film.

5. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

George Clooney was enthusiastic about collaborating with Wes Anderson on the Roald Dahl adaptation, yet he had reservations: “When I read the script, I told Wes, ‘I’m all in and can’t wait to do it, but I’m unsure who will watch it since it seems tailored for both adults and children, and predicting how that mixes isn’t easy.’ He replied, ‘Don’t fret, let’s just make the movie and have some fun!'” This guidance might account for why Clooney’s character in Fantastic Mr. Fox deviates from his usual comedic roles. Unlike the comical characters he portrays in Coen-brothers films, Mr. Fox isn’t a buffoon; instead, he’s an unhappy husband and father who realizes life hasn’t unfolded as planned. The voice performance is witty yet tinged with sadness, making Clooney amusing in an effortless, melancholic manner. It’s challenging not to speculate that playing Mr. Fox paved the way for another disillusioned-dad role, which he would assume shortly after (and is next on our list).

4. The Descendants (2011)

In the period when George Clooney collaborated with director Alexander Payne on an Academy Award-winning film portraying an ordinary middle-aged man, he discussed the challenges of aging in Hollywood. “There’s a certain harshness to appearing on the big screen as your eyelids droop and your hair thins and turns gray that one must either learn to cope with or not,” he stated. “One cannot try to force themselves into roles they could have played or would have played a decade ago.” In his role as Matt, a passive husband and father who learns about his comatose wife’s infidelity, Clooney showcases a raw vulnerability that, in some aspects, is intended to be pitiful. Beneath the surface, Matt recognizes his insignificance—he’s an unremarkable lawyer and number cruncher—and Clooney’s decision not to make the character either likable or detestable demonstrates a subtle complexity. It’s challenging to portray an average person, but the growing sadness within the character hints at a deeper emotional depth, even if he can’t fully express his pain.

3. Out of Sight (1998)

The film “Out of Sight” helped solidify George Clooney’s status as a Hollywood star, moving beyond the shadow of his Batman performance. In this movie, he portrays Jack Foley, a smooth, seductive bank robber with mature appeal who flirts playfully yet passionately with Jennifer Lopez’s character, Karen Sisco, a determined cop. Their relationship is filled with tension that hints at an inevitable union. The film marked the beginning of Clooney’s successful collaboration with director Soderbergh and their production company Section Eight. However, the most significant impact was that “Out of Sight” allowed Clooney to find comfort on camera, letting go of the self-consciousness that previously affected his performances. He stopped forcing it and started emanating a natural charm, which propelled him into stardom with an enchanting smile and an old-fashioned charisma reminiscent of classic cinema.

2. The Ocean’s Eleven movies (2001, 2004, 2007)

George Clooney masterfully portrayed Danny Ocean, a role that any actor would covet. However, if not executed skillfully, Danny could become highly annoying due to his potential smugness or lack of weight. But during the early 21st century, Clooney was at the peak of his acting prowess, and he effortlessly handled both the quick-witted dialogue and expressing Danny’s pain in the movie Ocean’s Eleven when he learns his ex-wife (Julia Roberts) might not love him anymore. It’s simple to underestimate just how charming Clooney is in this trilogy – making it seem effortless is exactly the goal. The Ocean’s films gave Clooney an opportunity to display a sophisticated swagger that is seldom seen in modern Hollywood blockbusters anymore.

1. Michael Clayton (2007)

George Clooney, being as renowned, captivating, and handsome as he is, might occasionally feel compelled to portray characters who are less appealing on the inside, as if making amends for his striking appearance. In Clooney’s case, this transformation often involves playing lackluster or underdeveloped men – individuals who should have achieved more than they did in life. In the film ‘Michael Clayton‘, Clooney delivers a performance that primarily focuses on the lingering disillusionment of a character who chose to ignore his inner conscience long ago. Michael Clayton is a fixer, and he’s effective at it because he doesn’t worry about the repercussions of his actions – until, inevitably, he encounters a moral quandary that forces him to reconsider his choices.

Reminiscent of the intense character studies and suspenseful thrillers from the 1970s, Michael Clayton showcases top-notch acting, particularly Tilda Swinton’s award-winning performance. However, it is George Clooney’s understated, determined portrayal of a man grappling with doing what’s right that truly embodies the film’s essence. Michael Clayton isn’t exactly a hero; he’s just an angry, ordinary individual, and Clooney had never before taken on such a discontented, aimless character. During the filming of Michael Clayton‘s poignant final scene in the back of a taxi, Clooney struggled to suppress laughter as people in passing cars waved at him. This behind-the-scenes detail doesn’t diminish the impact of that moment, where Clooney conveys his character’s depth without any overt actions.

Grierson and Leitch frequently discuss cinema and run a film-focused podcast. Keep updated by following them on Twitter or checking out their website.

2024-09-29 18:56