# The Rainmaker

> 1997 film by Francis Ford Coppola

**Wikidata**: [Q785351](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q785351)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rainmaker_(1997_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-rainmaker

## Summary
The Rainmaker is a 1997 American legal drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, based on John Grisham's 1995 novel of the same name. It stars Matt Damon, Claire Forlani, and Danny DeVito, and follows a young lawyer's battle against a corrupt health insurance company. The film is notable for its tense courtroom drama and exploration of corporate greed.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: November 21, 1997 (U.S.), April 2, 1998 (Japan)
- **Director**: Francis Ford Coppola
- **Based On**: John Grisham's 1995 novel *The Rainmaker*
- **Starring**: Matt Damon, Claire Forlani, Danny DeVito, Mickey Rourke, and Jon Voight
- **Genre**: Legal drama, thriller
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Production Company**: American Zoetrope
- **Runtime**: 136 minutes
- **Budget**: $50 million
- **Box Office**: $101.3 million
- **Music**: Elmer Bernstein
- **Cinematography**: Gabriel Beristain
- **Editing**: Barry Malkin
- **Studio**: Paramount Pictures
- **Awards**: Nominated for Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Jon Voight)
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 34 language editions
- **IMDb ID**: tt0119978
- **Wikidata ID**: Q11424
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 81%
- **Metacritic Score**: 72/100
- **IMDb Rating**: 6.9/10
- **Related Genres**: Trial film, crime film, drama film

## FAQs
**What is The Rainmaker about?**  
The Rainmaker follows Rudy Baylor, a young lawyer who takes on a case against a corrupt health insurance company that denied coverage to a leukemia patient, exploring themes of corporate greed and moral integrity.

**Who directed The Rainmaker and what is its connection to other works?**  
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film is based on John Grisham's novel and stars Matt Damon in a breakout role. It is part of Coppola's diverse filmography, which includes *The Godfather* trilogy and *Apocalypse Now*.

**How was The Rainmaker received critically and commercially?**  
The film received positive reviews, with an 81% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 72/100 Metacritic score. It grossed $101.3 million worldwide against a $50 million budget, performing moderately well commercially.

**What awards or nominations did The Rainmaker receive?**  
Jon Voight was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Danny Shalvi, a ruthless insurance lawyer.

**How does The Rainmaker relate to broader film genres and themes?**  
As a legal drama and thriller, it fits within the trial film genre, emphasizing courtroom tension and social critique of corporate practices, resonating with audiences through its exploration of justice and ethics.

## Why It Matters
The Rainmaker stands out as a compelling legal thriller that critiques corporate power and champions individual resilience. Directed by the acclaimed Francis Ford Coppola, it showcases strong performances, particularly from Matt Damon in an early leading role, and Jon Voight's Oscar-nominated turn. The film's success underscores its ability to balance entertainment with social commentary, making it a notable entry in both Coppola's filmography and the legal drama genre. Its adaptation from John Grisham's novel highlights the synergy between literary and cinematic storytelling, appealing to fans of both mediums.

## Notable For
- **Oscar-Nominated Performance**: Jon Voight's portrayal of Danny Shalvi earned him an Academy Award nomination.
- **Matt Damon's Breakout Role**: One of Damon's early leading roles, contributing to his rising stardom.
- **Francis Ford Coppola's Direction**: Part of Coppola's diverse filmography, demonstrating his versatility beyond epic films like *The Godfather*.
- **Social Commentary**: Critiques corporate greed and the healthcare system, resonating with audiences concerned about social justice.
- **Legal Thriller Elements**: Tense courtroom drama and strategic legal battles, typical of the trial film genre.
- **Box Office Success**: Grossed over $100 million worldwide, indicating its commercial appeal alongside critical acclaim.

## Body

### Production and Release
The Rainmaker was released on November 21, 1997, in the United States and later in Japan on April 2, 1998. Produced by American Zoetrope and distributed by Paramount Pictures, the film was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, known for his meticulous craftsmanship. The screenplay, adapted from John Grisham's novel, was written by Coppola himself, ensuring a faithful yet cinematic interpretation.

### Cast and Crew
The film features a notable cast, including Matt Damon as Rudy Baylor, Claire Forlani as Kelly Frears, and Danny DeVito as Deck Shifflet. Jon Voight's performance as the antagonistic lawyer Danny Shalvi garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The crew included cinematographer Gabriel Beristain, editor Barry Malkin, and composer Elmer Bernstein, whose score enhanced the film's dramatic tone.

### Themes and Genre
As a legal drama and thriller, The Rainmaker explores themes of justice, corporate corruption, and personal integrity. It fits within the trial film genre, emphasizing courtroom strategies and ethical dilemmas. The film's critique of the healthcare system and insurance practices adds depth to its narrative, aligning with broader social concerns about accountability and fairness.

### Critical and Commercial Performance
The Rainmaker received positive reviews, with critics praising its performances, direction, and tense courtroom scenes. It holds an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 72/100 score on Metacritic. Commercially, the film grossed $101.3 million worldwide against a $50 million budget, demonstrating its appeal to both critics and audiences.

### Awards and Legacy
Jon Voight's nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 70th Academy Awards highlighted the film's impact. The Rainmaker is recognized as a solid entry in Coppola's career, showcasing his ability to helm smaller, character-driven dramas alongside his larger epics. Its legacy includes contributing to Matt Damon's career trajectory and reinforcing the popularity of legal thrillers in the late 1990s.

### Cultural and Industry Context
The film's release in the late 1990s coincided with a surge in legal dramas, capitalizing on public interest in stories about systemic injustice. Its adaptation from a bestselling novel by John Grisham, known for his legal thrillers, ensured a built-in audience. The Rainmaker's success reflects the enduring appeal of stories that pit individuals against powerful institutions, a theme that resonates across genres and mediums.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 136 minutes
- **Budget**: $50 million
- **Box Office**: $101.3 million
- **Music**: Composed by Elmer Bernstein, contributing to the film's dramatic atmosphere
- **Cinematography**: Gabriel Beristain's work enhanced the visual tension, particularly in courtroom scenes

### Related Entities and Genres
The Rainmaker is connected to the broader categories of trial films, crime dramas, and legal thrillers. It shares themes with other Grisham adaptations like *The Firm* and *A Time to Kill*, while Coppola's involvement links it to his iconic films such as *The Godfather* and *Apocalypse Now*. The film's exploration of corporate malpractice also places it within narratives critical of systemic power imbalances, appealing to viewers interested in social justice storytelling.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. The Movie Database
3. MusicBrainz
4. John Grisham's The Rainmaker. Rotten Tomatoes
5. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119978/releaseinfo)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Kinopoisk
8. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/rainmaker-the/)
9. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=10986.html)
10. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
11. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/93585)
12. Online-Filmdatenbank
13. mymovies.it
14. Danish Film Database
15. Trakt.tv
16. FilmVandaag.nl