The Rainmaker by John Grisham, both a novel and a film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a highly successful adaptation. This courtroom drama depicts the challenges faced by a young lawyer and his associate as they confront the deceitful tactics of greedy companies. Despite being ill-equipped for the case of a lifetime, every underdog gets their moment to shine. Now, let us delve into the story of The Rainmaker, authored by John Grisham and brought to life by Francis Ford Coppola through this movie adaptation.
Fortunately, The Rainmaker by John Grisham is a superior movie compared to the novel that lacks tension. Mr. Coppola may have taken on this project for financial reasons (to fund his next original film), but he successfully transforms Mr. Grisham’s exaggerated tale into a moderately enjoyable courtroom drama that, unlike the book, offers genuine suspense.
The plot remains unchanged as a rookie lawyer named Rudy Baylor (Matt Damon) ends up working at a low-budget law firm in Memphis, Tennessee after being unable to secure any other job following his graduation from law school. His only noteworthy case involves an insurance company that unjustly denies a bone-marrow transplant to a young leukemia patient. But bringing this case to court will be an immense challenge for Rudy, comparable to running hurdles without his feet. His lack of trial experience is exacerbated by the formidable Leo Drummond (Jon Voight) and his team of three or four assistants representing the insurance company.
During his preparation for the trial, Rudy encounters a young woman (Claire Danes) who has been physically abused by her spouse while he is looking for clients at a nearby hospital. This leads to him getting involved in another case. He develops a bond with her and as the movie progresses, he becomes emotionally invested in helping her break free from her abusive marriage.
Although Mr. Coppola, who adapted the novel for his screenplay, recognizes that Mr. Grisham crafted a story with an unavoidable conclusion, he manages to turn the courtroom narrative into an exhilarating journey while staying faithful to the book’s plot. Through his direction, Mr. Damon delivers a skilled and empathetic performance as Rudy, while also giving Mr. Voight a remarkable role as this year’s most impressive antagonist: a smooth and sly attorney who emanates authority without any superfluous actions or dramatics.
The cast includes various talented actors, such as Mary Kay Place who plays the strong-willed mother of the affected victim, and Danny DeVito who portrays Rudy’s assistant – an aspiring lawyer who has unsuccessfully attempted the bar exam six times, humorously referring to himself as a “paralawyer.” Surprisingly, even Mickey Rourke, known for his self-centered demeanor, delivers a commendable performance as Rudy’s untrustworthy boss.
The Rainmaker is a captivating film, despite not being outstanding. Considering the limitations of the storyline, it is nothing less than remarkable.
