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American Zoetrope
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They were totally unqualified to try the case of a lifetime... but every underdog has his day.
Fresh out of law school and desperate for work, idealistic rookie Rudy Baylor takes on a powerful insurance company accused of denying a dying boy’s claim. Teaming up with a scrappy, unlicensed paralegal, he finds himself in a David-versus-Goliath courtroom battle that tests his ethics, courage, and belief in justice.
RalphRahal
Dec 14, 2024 · via TMDB
The Rainmaker is a compelling legal drama that showcases Francis Ford Coppola's return to form after the less successful Jack. Adapted from John Grisham's novel, the film follows Rudy Baylor, a novice attorney portrayed by Matt Damon, as he takes on a powerful insurance company in a wrongful death lawsuit. While the case's outcome may seem predictable, the narrative remains engaging, keeping viewers invested throughout. Matt Damon delivers a strong performance, capturing Rudy's earnestness and determination. 1997 was indeed a significant year for Damon, with Good Will Hunting also releasing, further establishing his presence in Hollywood. The supporting cast, including Danny DeVito as Deck Shifflet and Jon Voight as the opposing attorney, adds depth and nuance to the story. Coppola's direction brings a grounded realism to the film, focusing on the intricacies of the legal process and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. The courtroom scenes are particularly well-executed, balancing tension and drama effectively. With Coppola's direction and the performances, The Rainmaker is notably one of the better adaptations of Grisham's work. Despite its strengths, The Rainmaker didn't achieve significant box office success, grossing $45.9 million domestically against a $40 million budget. However, it received generally positive reviews. In summary, The Rainmaker is a well-crafted film that combines strong performances with insightful direction, making it a noteworthy entry in Coppola's filmography and a testament to Damon's early talent.
Wuchak
Jul 29, 2018 · via TMDB
‘Good lawyer’ is not an oxymoron 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
User reviews courtesy of TMDB.
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Matt Damon
Rudy Baylor
Claire Danes
Kelly Riker
Danny DeVito
Deck Shifflet
Jon Voight
Leo F. Drummond
Mary Kay Place
Dot Black
Dean Stockwell
Judge Harvey Hale
Mickey Rourke
Bruiser Stone
Danny Glover
Richter Tyrone Kipler
Virginia Madsen
Jackie Lemancyzk
Randy Travis
Billy Porter
Roy Scheider
Wilfred Keeley
Red West
Buddy Black
Johnny Whitworth
Donny Ray Black
Andrew Shue
Cliff Riker
Teresa Wright
Colleen 'Miss Birdie' Birdsong
Justin Ashforth
F. Franklin Donaldson
Michael Keys Hall
B. Bobby Hall
Frank Clem
Mr. Van Landel
Alan Woolf
Kermit Aldy
Sonny Shroyer
Delbert Birdsong
John Toll
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Robert D. Yeoman
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Aggie Guerard Rodgers
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Lois Burwell
Makeup Artist
Whitney James
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Gary Archer
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Jack Gill
Stunt Coordinator
Andy Gill
Stunts
Barbara Anne Klein
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Scott Wilder
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Steve Picerni
Stunts
Francis Ford Coppola
Director
Roman Coppola
Second Unit Director
James Plannette
Chief Lighting Technician
Barbara Harris
ADR Voice Casting
Linda Phillips-Palo
Casting
Georgia Kacandes
Co-Producer
Jason White
Extras Casting Assistant
Francis Ford Coppola
Producer
Fred Fuchs
Producer
Michael Douglas
Producer
Georgia Kacandes
Unit Production Manager
Alicia Stevenson
Foley Artist
Dawn Fintor
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Elmer Bernstein
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Michael Herr
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Audioslave: Audioslave
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Battle your watched movies head-to-head
Community Top Movies
Evil Dead II
1987 · 14 wins
The Dark Knight
2008 · 14 wins
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1978 · 13 wins
Final Destination
2000 · 12 wins
Halloween II
1981 · 11 wins
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