Michael Clayton – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
James Newton Howard · 2007
38 min · 13 tracks · free jazz
A tense and atmospheric score blending orchestral depth with minimalist jazz textures, reflecting the film's intricate moral landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Main Titles Start here — Opening the soundtrack, this track establishes the mood with its haunting melodies and subtle tension, setting the stage for the film's exploration of moral ambiguity.
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I'm Not the Guy You Kill — This lengthy piece builds suspense through its gradual layering of motifs, effectively mirroring the protagonist’s internal conflict and heightening the narrative stakes.
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25 Dollars Worth — With its minimalist approach and reflective tone, this track captures a pivotal moment in the film, emphasizing themes of desperation and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe soundtrack effectively combines orchestral and minimalist elements, enhancing the film's tension.
What we noticed
- Several tracks utilize dissonant harmonies and sparse instrumentation to evoke a sense of unease.
- The album's pacing is deliberate, with longer tracks allowing for gradual build-ups and emotional crescendos.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady tension throughout listening
- evocative soundscapes for focus
- immersive experience during quiet moments
- atmospheric background for deep thought
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat or lively tracks
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination, showcasing artistic depth.
- Career context
- When James Newton Howard released this soundtrack in 2007, he was already an established composer, known for his work on films like 'The Sixth Sense' and 'Signs'. 'Michael Clayton' came during a prolific phase for him, following his nomination for an Academy Award for 'The Village' in 2004. This score further solidified his reputation as a master of creating emotionally resonant soundscapes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hans Zimmer· John Williams· Ennio Morricone
Tracklist
- 1 Main Titles Start here 2:11
- 2 Chinatown 2:27
- 3 Drive to the Field 1:34
- 4 Just Another Day 2:19
- 5 Meeting Karen 2:45
- 6 Looking for Arthur 1:40
- 7 U North 1:49
- 8 Arthur & Henry 2:11
- 9 Times Square 3:37
- 10 Mr. Verne 2:27
- 11 I'm Not the Guy You Kill 6:56
- 12 Horses 2:13
- 13 25 Dollars Worth 6:26
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Blue Notebooks
Max Richter
Similar blend of orchestral and minimalist textures, evoking deep emotional landscapes.
Spaces
Nils Frahm
Explores atmospheric soundscapes with a mix of acoustic and electronic elements, akin to jazz-inflected tension.
Re:member
Ólafur Arnalds
Combines classical instrumentation with contemporary minimalism, creating evocative and introspective atmospheres.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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