“He has a lot of the material it would take to be the most interesting and equivocal actor of our time. Everything except the parts. And everything except the innate anxiety that cannot quite trust his own image…. What Clooney lacks is the unease, the dissatisfaction with himself that would permit the heights of drama or comedy in any relationship. His being pleased with himself comes in advance of our response, and takes the edge of decision away from us. But it is his own safety net, too, and it is the sign that he is not quite ready to let himself be vulnerable.”

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