The Client (1994)

User Rating:

6.5/10   

Director:

Joel Schumacher

Writers (WGA):

John Grisham (novel)
Akiva Goldsman (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

20 July 1994 (USA)

Genre:

Thriller | Mystery | Drama

Tagline:

A District Attorney Out For A Conviction. A New Lawyer Out Of Her League. A Young Boy Who Knew Too Much.

Plot:

A young boy who witnessed the suicide of a mafia lawyer hires an attorney to protect him when the district attorney tries to use him to take down a mob family.

Plot Keywords:

Mafia | Lawyer | Suicide | Senator | Boy

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 3 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Susan Sarandon	...	Regina "Reggie" Love
Tommy Lee Jones	...	'Reverend' Roy Foltrigg
Mary-Louise Parker	...	Dianne Sway
Anthony LaPaglia	...	Barry 'The Blade' Muldano
J.T. Walsh	...	Jason McThune
Anthony Edwards	...	Clint Von Hooser
Brad Renfro	...	Mark Sway
Will Patton	...	Sergeant Hardy
Bradley Whitford	...	Thomas Fink
Anthony Heald	...	Larry Trumann
Kim Coates	...	Paul Gronke
Kimberly Scott	...	Doreen
David Speck	...	Ricky Sway
William H. Macy	...	Dr. Greenway
Ossie Davis	...	Judge Harry Roosevelt

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for a child in jeopardy and brief language.

Runtime:

119 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Netherlands:16 | South Korea:12 (DVD rating) | Germany:12 | Argentina:16 | Australia:M | Chile:14 | Finland:K-16 | Peru:14 | South Korea:15 | Spain:13 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:PG-13 | Portugal:M/12 | Singapore:PG | Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:AA (Ontario)

Filming Locations:

Clinton, Mississippi, USA

Company:

Alcor Films

Trivia:

At the time of the film, the only prior acting experience Brad Renfro had was a school production about D.A.R.E (Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education). Renfro was arrested and convicted several times for drugs possession prior to his death in 2008.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Mark and Reggie hug while his family is boarding the plane to Phoenix, there are flipped shots where Reggie's bracelet swaps from her "right" wrist in close-ups of Mark showing her "right" hand is on Mark's shoulder (at 1:53:54 and 01:53:57 on the DVD) to her left wrist in her close-up where her left hand is on the back of Mark's head (at 1:53:56 on the DVD). This was done intentionally because Mark's head was actually facing to his left in his close-up but was facing to his right in Reggie's close-up; the flip avoids Mark appearing to turn his head during the hug.

Quotes:

Mark: Thanks Rev. Roy, you've been a real pain in the ass.
Roy: Thank you, son. I can assure you, you have been an even larger pain in the ass.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Will & Grace: William, Tell (#1.6)" (1998)

Soundtrack:

St. Louis Blues

Flawed but Gripping

'The Client' is perhaps one of the many films that won't be enjoyed as much after one has read the book. I, having not read John Grisham's novel, quite enjoyed it. Sure the movie has its flaws in the form of plot holes, caricatures, obvious clichés etc, but it essentially manages to keep the viewer engaged. 'The Client' is further backed up by strong performances. Susan Sarandon makes full use of her powerful screen presence and easily stands out. No wonder she's an exceptional actress. Reggie Love is one of her most memorable performances (among the so many she's already given). The late Brad Renfro, as the young Sway, is very competent and does impress in several scenes. Tommy Lee Jones is funny (both intentionally and unintentionally). From the supporting cast, Mary-Louise Parker leaves a mark. William H. Macy barely has more than a few lines but has a dignified presence. The villains both look and act like caricatures. In a nutshell, it's an interesting film with a flawed but gripping plot and marvelous performances.