The path that a successful book can take from being adapted for film to becoming a TV show is a well-trodden one. Such fine examples of this includeWestworld,the futuristic sci-fi drama byMichael Crichton;The Handmaid’s Tale,first adapted intoa 1990 filmbefore its highly successful run as a TV show;andThe Lincoln Lawyer,the book byMichael Connelly, first adapted as a film starringMatthew McConaugheybefore moving to television withManuel Garcia-Rulfoin the front seat. The latest and most exciting addition to this canon isThe Rainmaker,the 1995 legal drama by all-conquering authorJohn Grishamthat was adapted for film in 1997.Its television series is expectedto come out in 2025, and it has a tough job on its hands following the film. Directed by none other thanFrancis Ford Coppola,the film has an all-star cast led byMatt Damon.Many of Grisham’s novels have been adapted for cinema, but what setsThe Rainmakerapart from all the rest ishow it prioritizes human drama over being a thriller.
What Is ‘The Rainmaker’ About?
The Rainmakerbegins as recent graduate Rudy Taylor (Damon) is hired by Bruiser Stone (Mickey Rourke) as an associate, impressed that Rudy already has two cases ready to present to him. Stone pairs him up with Deck Shifflet (Danny DeVito), a paralegal at the firm who’s failed the bar six times.Rudy is not yet allowed to stand as an attorney, but when Stone doesn’t show up in court, he tries to argue their case. Judge Hale (Dean Stockwell) scolds him before Leo F. Drummond (Jon Voight) offers to stand for Rudy as he gets sworn in. Rudy and Shifflet decide to set up their own firm after hearing that Stone’s offices have been raided by the FBI.
Their first case, about a young boy (Johnny Whitworth) with leukemia whose insurance company has denied him a bone marrow transplant, brings them up against Drummond and his firm.Hale is about to throw the case out before he suffers a heart attack and is replaced in the case by Judge Kipler(Danny Glover), who lets the trial commence. Meanwhile, Rudy meets Kelly Riker (Claire Danes) at the hospital when he’s looking for clients. Kelly was admitted after suffering injuries resulting from domestic abuse. Rudy falls for Kelly as they try to extract her from her abusive relationship with Cliff (Andrew Shue).When the trial commences, Rudy skillfully cross-examines the CEO of the insurance company(Roy Scheider), leading to a successful conviction and the insurance firm’s bankruptcy. Rudy decides to quit his practice and teach law, leaving town with Kelly.
‘The Rainmaker’ Trades Thrills for True Drama
It is immediately noticeable howThe Rainmakeris more of a legal drama than it is a thriller, trading in the usual whole-world-on-trial aspects of Grisham’s other works for more character-driven and humanistic plot movements.The emotional journey of Rudy Baylor, one where he navigates ethics, justice, and personal growth,grounds the film in tender realism. Using the characters to drive the plot is ahallmark of the underdog storythatThe Rainmakerevidently is. The courtroom battle isn’t about shocking twists but aboutthe perseverance of a rookie lawyer fighting for justice against overwhelming odds.
The film also excels where others often fall:accuracy in its depiction of legal procedures. The concept of fast-tracking a trial is accurately represented given the time-sensitive nature of the case, as are little details likethe court stenographer approaching the bench with the trial lawyers to capture their side conversationand Rudy getting the CEO to repeat damning testimony by moving the microphone closer to him.The film captures nuances of the legal system that are normally missedin films, a testament to the quality behind the camera.
The 10 Best John Grisham Movie Adaptations, Ranked
These movies prove John Grisham is the master of the legal thriller.
The Rainmakerhas talent all over,not just in front of the camera.Michael Douglasproduced it, Oscar-winning cinematographerJohn Tollshot it, and renowned composerElmer Bernsteinprovided a stunning, subtle yet highly emotive score that elevates the film to a whole other level.The poignant, melancholic score, bringing in a mild Southern influence to reflect the film’s setting, effectively underscores the emotional weight of the film. Such elements like this help upgrade the film and turn it into one ofthe great cinematic courtroom dramas.
The Rainmakeris the kind of film that is produced when everyone involved is working at full throttle. The sub-genre ofdeep South legal thrillers and dramasmay be one filled with heavy hitters likeTo Kill a Mockingbird,but Coppola’s film is a more-than-welcome entry to that canon. Grisham’s work is the latest novel to have been adapted for both film and television, sohere’s hoping that audiences are treated to something close to the quality of the film when the TV series is first aired.
The Rainmaker
