The Rainmaker (1997)

RELEASED IN 1997 and written & directed by Francis Ford Coppola based on John Grisham's book, "The Rainmaker" stars Matt Damon as an idealistic newbie lawyer in Memphis who takes on a fraudulent insurance company with Danny DeVito as his paralegal and Claire Danes an abused potential love interest. Jon Voight plays the lead lawyer for the insurance company and Roy Scheider the CEO of the corporation.Beyond Coppola's renowned expertise, the cast is stellar, which also includes Mickey Rourke as a smooth legal mogul, Virginia Madsen as a witness and Dean Stockwell & Danny Glover as judges. This was Damon's break out role as a leading man, paving the way for hits like "Good Will Hunting" (1998) and "Saving Private Ryan" (1998). He's affable as the principled young lawyer and I liked the way the movie discreetly shows his new home life with the elderly lady, plus other budding relationships.This is decidedly a drama with many courtroom scenes, so don't except the thrills of other Grisham-based films, like the excellent "The Firm" (1993) and action-packed "The Pelican Brief" (1993), although there is an intense action sequence in the second half. While the first half confidently take its time with the drama, throwing in moments of realistic amusement, it segues into a compelling third act. Furthermore, "The Rainmaker" is a must for anyone interested in the good, the bad and the ugly of the legal arena in America.The movie made $46 million domestically from a budget of $40 million (not including revenue from other countries), but it was still considered a disappoint in comparison to "The Firm," which cost roughly the same amount and made six times as much at the box office. Coppola subsequently took a decade break from directing before reentering the fray with the inscrutable "Youth Without Youth" (2007).THE FILM RUNS 2 hours, 15 minutes and was shot in the Memphis area of Tennessee, as well as Cleveland, Ohio and California (Alameda, Oakland, San Francisco).GRADE: B

A newly-qualified wet-behind-the-ears lawyer Rudy Baylor (Matt Damon) and his partner Deck Shifflet (Danny DeVito)are tasked with taking on insurance giant Great Benefit after they fail to pay out on a claim which could potentially save the life of their mutual client Donny Ray Black (Johnny Whitworth).The Rainmaker shares a bit in common with Pelican Brief (another Grisham novel). In both cases, an underdog fights against the big boys in their pursuit of justice - although to be honest I preferred this John Grisham adaptation to the Pelican Brief.It begins slowly, perhaps a little too slowly, but once it gets going it is a very good film. I think part of the problem with this film is that it sometimes lacks focus; the interesting part of the film is the main plot involving Baylor and Shifflet trying to take down Great Benefit, but the film has a sub-plot involving Baylor trying to protect Kelly Riker (Claire Danes) whom is a victim of domestic abuse. Whilst the sub-plot is quite touching and does help to endear us towards Rudy it ultimately feels unnecessary and seems like it's been tagged on just to create a love interest for Rudy. The very fact that it is completely unrelated to the rest of the story only reinforces this point, and at times it means that the film lacks focus and feels longer than necessary. The oddities in this film continue when we're introduced to Bruiser (Micky Rourke whom it took me a while to recognise to be honest). He's introduced early on and seems important to the story, but then disappears from the film with very little explanation??? Hmm... just seemed a bit strange to me.That being said, once we get to the meat of the film (the courtroom drama aspect) then it does become very enjoyable and this is the side of the film that makes it worth seeing. The performances from the main cast are all excellent; Damon is very convincing as a wet-behind-the ears laywer (he's actually almost too convincing). DeVito is OK, but Voight and Glover are both excellent - Glover in particular looks like he is having a lot of fun here.The Rainmaker is a bit of a plodder in its early stages and there are certainly aspects of it that don't really work, but the courtroom scenes in the second half of the film more than compensate for the shortcomings of the first half and the strong second half makes it worth the effort.

One of those David and Goliath Courtroom Dramas where it is never in doubt Who Wears the Black Hats or the White Hats. But it's Ultimately a Dual Universe, so Everything Starts There and the Nuances Follow, or not.It Resonates, this kind of Story. Just ask John Grisham. So Mega-Director Coppola takes it on and gives it a Bare Bones, No-Frills account using a Talented Cast and relies on the Power of the Story and a Slice of Lower Class Displays.There are some Quirky Characters to be sure. Mickey Rourke as a Greedy and Slimy Lawyer who gives Matt Damon (The Moral Center) His first job working strictly on commission. Danny Devito may be the Quirkiest as a Paralegal (flunked the Bar six times) but provides the Humor in the Rather Depressing Reality of the Commonplace of the Corrupt. He uncouthly motormouths through the Film with a Complex Moral Code and lots of ChutzpahJon Voight is the Villain who is Eclipsed in Evil Doings by a Cameo from the CEO of the Insurance Company and is nothing more than the Now Idle Rich, with a complete lack of Empathy, that sowed His Evil Ways and found it Pays. Other Well Known Actors show up in some Well Drawn Roles.The Movie received mixed results from Critics and Audiences. It was a Tad Familiar at the Time and seemed to be just another High Hollywood and Average Take on a Familiar Grisham Bestseller. But it is a Bit Deeper than that with its Subtle Display of Low-Income Folks who got caught in the Grindhouse of Corporate Greed and Loathsome Individuals.

Based on the 1995 novel of the same name by John Grisham, Francis Ford Coppola's 'The Rainmaker' is An Enjoyable Drama, that also features a Fantastic Performance by Matt Damon. The Adapted Screenplay is strong & Damon nails it as the idealistic young lawyer. 'The Rainmaker' Synopsis: An idealistic young lawyer and his cynical partner take on a powerful law firm representing a corrupt insurance company.'The Rainmaker' tells the story of an underdog, most believably. The protagonist's journey along-with some strong supporting characters, comes out memorable & extremely engaging. Also, the pace is nicely maintained. Coppola's Adapted Screenplay & Direction, both, are superb. The Legendary Filmmaker is at the top of his game, yet again! Cinematography is good. Editing is very sharp. Art & Costume Design are credible. Performance-Wise: Matt Damon is the life of 'The Rainmaker'. Definitely, among his best performances to date. Claire Danes supports Damon, wonderfully. Danny DeVito is first-rate. Jon Voight is in command, enacting the corrupted lawyer with effortless ease. Mary Kay Place is impressive. Mickey Rourke is alright. Danny Glover is restrained. Late/Great Roy Scheider & Late/Great Teresa Wright are tremendous. On the whole, 'The Rainmaker' works big time!