Writer/Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Matt Damon, Danny DeVito and Claire Danes
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
The Rainmaker
Not many actors have achieved recognition of Matt Damon. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Damon has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s space scavengers, gifted janitors or soldiers, Damon has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Damon’s finest strength as an actor has often been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has always had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles which have limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t a main focus of a movie, Damon has always left a lasting impression. Through his capability to portray characters that are engaging, Damon has created a legacy that’s lasting. Although he is best known for his iconic role as Bourne in the spy franchise, Damon has proven that he can make engaging movies in every single genre. Throughout his career, Damon has made several unforgettable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Damon and adore movies he has made. However, “The Rainmaker” is his most underrated work. Released in 1997, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie offered a bold adaptation of a beloved legal book. Packed with breathtaking production, spellbinding storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best legal dramas ever made. At the create of it all is an incredible performance by Matt Damon , who embodies a lawyer that faces feelings of tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Rainmaker” a masterpiece is its broad appeal. Unlike most courtroom dramas, the film tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A breathtaking courtroom classic, there are reasons why “The Rainmaker” is well worth watching.
Based on the iconic book, “The Rainmaker” tells the story of a conflicted lawyer. Matt Damon portrays Rudy Baylor, an intelligent lawyer with strong dedication towards his profession. Fresh of law school, Rudy seeks to find work as an idealistic lawyer. When he is given a case involving a strong instance company, Rudy is given a chance to show his strong skills as a lawyer with authority. However, Rudy’s life forever changes when he discovers the consequences of being a moral lawyer. Assisted by paralegal lawyer Deck (Danny DeVito), Rudy endeavours to solve a stressful case causing sorrow. As all odd are stacked against his favour, Rudy is forced to question whether it’s possible for him to become a lawyer.
Francis Ford Coppola is fascinated with the themes of business. His iconic movie “The Godfather” offered a powerful portrait of a gangster business. With “The Rainmaker”, however, Coppola made his first courtroom drama. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to adapt a legendary book about lawyers facing tragedy but he succeeds immensely. Using captivating cinematography, Coppola captures a lawyer embarking on a journey to find his identity. Emulating Rob Reiner’s “A Few Good Men”, Coppola effectively uses point of view shots to capture tensions that lawyers go through. For instance, the POV shots enhance the court case scene. During this unforgettable scene, Rudy engages in an intense interrogation of suspects in a legal investigation. POV shots are tricky to use in films. As Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” suggested, POV shots often enhance WWII films. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using breathtaking visuals, Coppola captures tensions WWII soldiers are facing.
Another strong aspect of “The Rainmaker” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is well made. Evoking Robert Mulligan’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Coppola uses costumes to capture tensions faced by layers that seek to be heard. For instance, costumes elevate the lawyer meeting scene. During this tense scene, Rudy has a business meeting which causes tension. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Elmer Bernstein’s music is key to the success of the movie. It ties the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the burden that lawyers bear. Using gorgeous production. Coppola captives soldiers that face tension.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Matt Damon delivers one of his best career performances as Rudy. Damon first earned appreciation for playing janitors in coming of age classic films. With “The Rainmaker”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a lawyer that faces adversity but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him in the past: intense, charming and emotional in his most underrated role. With captivating expressions, he embodies angst, bravery and resentment faced by a lawyer. It’s an extraordinary performance from one of the finest actors which is currently working in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Matt Damon, the supporting cast is also amazing and deserving of praise. Danny DeVito is dazzling, capturing the sorrow of a lawyer struggling to cope with a demanding profession causing life to hit a low. Claire Danes is captivating, capturing the fear of a woman struggling to achieve success in an intense legal career. Lastly, Jon Voight is worthy of appreciation. As an elderly judge, he brings wisdom to the movie.
Finally, “The Rainmaker” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing lawyers enduring pressure. Unlike most movies about lawyers, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses timely themes such as angst, mental health and trauma which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the book to enjoy it. Therefore, “The Rainmaker” is one of those rare legal dramas everyone would definitely adore.
Fans of Matt Damon would absolutely enjoy “The Rainmaker” and so would audiences seeking enjoyable entertainment. A riveting courtroom drama, it honours an actor with charisma.
Nearly 30 years later following the release of a groundbreaking movie about lawyers that face tension seeking to resolve a case, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actor that has built a strong place in the industry through his ability to portray compelling characters in movies audiences embrace.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 