Every few months, I find myself debating when was the last time the movie based on a book turned out to be better than the book itself. I remember watching #TheFirm around the time it was released and thinking it was disappointing. I happened to see it again last week and found that it has its own merits.
ASHOK’s FIVE reviews #TheFirm on #NetflixIndia, #SydneyPollack’s film based on the #JohnGrisham book released in 1991. The book was 501 pages long and went on to become a best seller. The film released in 1993 and at 2 hours and 34 minutes is excruciatingly long.
Mitch McDeere (#TomCruise) graduates near top of his class at Harvard Law School and joins Bendini, Lambert & Locke, a small, conservative but very rich firm. The firm demands that he sell his soul in exchange of material riches and a cushy but pretence-filled life. How he manages to escape and retain his right to practise law is the unique plot.
The film has some very engaging sequences that keep you hooked but you get the feeling that the parts do not add up to a whole that is larger. It did touch a chord for the young upwardly aspirational professional – imagine a situation when all that you have worked really hard for is at risk and you must put everything on the line to secure your freedom. #TomCruise at his fresh, young and impressionable best carries off the role with aplomb and makes the film eminently watchable.
“Your life, as you have known it, is now over.” Says a Federal agent to Mitch. The realization that the plush house, state-of-the-art Mercedes and other comforts are a trap make Mitch and his wife Abby (#JeanneTripplehorn) scared. The house and the car are bugged, and the Feds are urging them to turn informants.
The cast is special. #GeneHackman as the firm’s partner Avery Toler, Holly Hunt and Gary Busey in critical roles. Then there is #EdHarris as the FBI agent and #DavidStraithairn as Ray, Mitch’s brother.
The writing of #TheFirm stands out. #DavidRale, #RobertTowne and #DavidRagfiel were among the best of that time and their work stands out.
#TheFirm does manage to keen you engaged in spite of its length but on my second watch, I though that the character development, technical aspects and cinematography remain top draws.
As to whether the book or the film, the jury is still out on that one. Let me know what you think.
