“I’m alone and outgunned, scared and inexperienced, but I’m right.”
This powerful quote encapsulates the spirit of The Rainmaker, a captivating legal thriller by master storyteller John Grisham. Having experienced both the book and the movie adaptation, it’s clear why this story resonates so deeply. Known for his savvy pacing and satisfying narratives, Grisham delivers another winner with The Rainmaker, a novel that feels as refreshing as ice-cold lemonade on a summer porch.
While some might crave scholarly depth, The Rainmaker excels in its crisp storytelling, right-hearted protagonist, and expertly paced plot. It’s an easy read that quickly immerses you in a world of legal battles and moral dilemmas, holding your attention until the very last page. For fans of John Grisham or anyone seeking an engaging legal drama, The Rainmaker is a compelling choice.
Rudy Baylor’s Trial by Fire: Plot Summary
We are introduced to Rudy Baylor, a law student on the cusp of graduation from Memphis State. Grisham paints a realistic picture of the competitive job market faced by students outside the elite law school circles. Rudy, intelligent but not from a top-tier institution, embodies the struggles of an everyman trying to find his footing in the legal profession.
All students enter law school with a certain amount of idealism and desire to serve the public, but after three years of brutal competition we care for nothing but the right job with the right firm where we can make partner in seven years and earn big bucks.
Through a series of unfortunate events and the harsh realities of a saturated legal field, Rudy finds himself working for the less-than-reputable J. Lyman “Bruiser” Stone. Bruiser, a memorable character in the John Grisham universe, is a shark-like ambulance chaser with questionable ethics and a lucrative side business in Memphis’s nightlife.
Danny DeVito and Matt Damon in The Rainmaker Movie, portraying Deck Shifflet and Rudy Baylor, respectively.
Rudy is partnered with Deck Shifflet, another brilliantly crafted, morally ambiguous character. Deck, who practices law as a “paralawyer” after failing the bar exam multiple times, becomes Rudy’s unlikely mentor. Together, these two underdogs navigate the cutthroat world of Memphis law, trying to make a living in an environment where lawyers are plentiful and opportunities are scarce.
Amidst the legal maneuvering, Grisham weaves in a developing romance between Rudy and Kelly Riker, an abused wife, adding emotional depth to the narrative. There’s also a touch of humor through a subplot involving a grandmother rewriting her will to disinherit her family. However, the heart of the story is the David-versus-Goliath battle against Great Benefit, a ruthless insurance company. They have denied coverage for a life-saving bone marrow transplant for Donny Ray Black, a young man battling leukemia. We witness Rudy’s baptism by fire as he takes on this seemingly insurmountable case, facing off against the insurance giant and their high-powered legal team from a formidable mega-firm.
Compelling Characters and Southern Charm
While the legal intricacies are presented in an accessible manner, focusing on entertainment rather than strict realism, Grisham’s strength lies in his character development. He populates The Rainmaker with a cast of Southern characters that feel authentic and vibrant, elevating the story beyond a typical legal procedural. This talent for creating memorable characters is often undervalued in discussions of Grisham’s work.
Characters like Bruiser Stone and Deck Shifflet inject a unique flavor into the proceedings. Donny Ray’s parents, Dot and Buddy Black, are also vividly portrayed – Dot, the chain-smoking, hardened mother, and Buddy, the quietly suffering, alcoholic war veteran. Despite their flaws, they are deeply sympathetic figures, devastated by their son’s illness. Kelly Riker, the intelligent and beautiful young woman trapped in an abusive marriage, adds another layer of emotional complexity. Judge Tyrone Kipler, a compassionate judge with a disdain for insurance companies, becomes an unexpected ally for Rudy, offering guidance and crucial assistance. These well-developed characters transform The Rainmaker from just a legal thriller into a story with genuine heart and resonance.
The Rainmaker Movie Adaptation: A Worthy Counterpart
Having seen the movie adaptation of The Rainmaker before reading the book, it’s clear that director Francis Ford Coppola successfully translated Grisham’s novel to the screen. Similar to A Time to Kill, the Rainmaker movie stands as a strong adaptation, capturing the essence and tone of the source material. Coppola’s direction, combined with excellent casting, makes for a compelling cinematic experience. Danny DeVito as Deck Shifflet and Mickey Rourke as Bruiser Stone are particularly inspired casting choices, bringing these colorful characters to life with memorable performances.
Danny DeVito as Deck Shifflet in The Rainmaker Movie, delivering a classic lawyer line.
One scene that remains vivid even years later is Deck Shifflet’s aggressive pursuit of clients, exemplified by his pressuring a car accident victim in traction to sign him on as his lawyer. The line, “Were gonna get you a bunch a money,” delivered with DeVito’s characteristic flair, perfectly encapsulates Deck’s character and the sometimes-unscrupulous nature of the legal profession. This iconic line, thankfully, is present in the book as well.
Book vs. Movie Ending: A Starker Outlook
While the movie is a strong adaptation, the book’s ending offers a more impactful conclusion. Although the endings are not drastically different, the novel provides a starker portrayal of Rudy Baylor’s disillusionment with the legal system. This more cynical outlook in the book, compared to the movie’s slightly more ambiguous resolution, is arguably more powerful and thought-provoking.
Final Verdict: Book and Movie Both Recommended
In conclusion, if you’ve watched the movie The Rainmaker, you might wonder if reading the book is necessary. While the movie is excellent and captures much of the story’s essence, the book offers a richer experience with deeper character development and a more nuanced ending. You’re not missing a completely different story by skipping the book, but you would be missing out on a well-crafted and thoroughly entertaining legal thriller. Both the John Grisham book The Rainmaker and the movie The Rainmaker are highly recommended. For those who appreciate compelling characters, legal drama, and a story with heart, The Rainmaker in either format is time well spent.
3.5 stars. Recommended.
