Cast Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, William H. Macy, Ryan Phillippe
Director Brad Furman
Rating PG15
There's something fascinating about legal dramas. Grim-faced, suited law enforcers make a charming lot, as they manipulate the law books to their advantage. The journey is raw, powerful, gruesome, and sometimes, unforgiving. And it's the inevitability of the situation that makes it so commanding.
While John Grisham sets the standard at an unprecedented high with his massively popular on-screen adaptations, it's interesting how American crime writer Michael Connelly's novel The Lincoln Lawyer manages to make the perfect setting for Furman. In fact, the film-maker adds his own twist by skipping Hollywood lawyer regulars a la Denzel Washington and Richard Gere, to hand over the reins to an unlikely charismatic McConaughey. A territory far murkier than what cupid would've intended for this rom-com favourite.
Criminal defence attorney Mickey Haller is on top of the game. Operating out of his Lincoln car, he knows his craft and is unapologetically arrogant about it. He isn't moralistic, he uses his discretion only to his judicial advantage. He plays by the rule books, only after he has added his own twist to them.
Then the hugely influential LA realtor Louis Roulet seeks Haller's expertise to set him free. Accused of attacking a streetwalker, Roulet, played by the rigid Phillippe, attempts to manipulate Haller. Suddenly Haller is torn between his legal duties and his burning conscience. It reveals a possible misjudgment (on his part) in a former case, one that he could set right if he nails Roulet. It's almost like Haller picks up from where Primal Fear's defence attorney Martin Vail left. While Gere's Vail is played by his client, Haller attempts to reverse the ordeal. And his pal and go-to investigator Frank Levin (Macy) helps him.
And while Haller isn't indulging in his legal know-how he plays a doting dad to his daughter and an understanding ex-husband to Maggie (Tomei). A relationship that appears broken due to Haller's unethical ways.
At a minute less than two hours, The Lincoln Lawyer does appear stretched, losing steam at numerous points, but Furman manages to turn it around. An attractive makeover for McConaughey, one that he should work on more intensely.
