The Bitches Love: John Grisham

Movie Maker of the Nineties and Aughts

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There aren’t many Grisham novels I don’t love. Sure, he generally follows a formula, but that’s what happens when you’re a poor kid raised on a cotton farm-turned lawyer-turned legal thriller writer! The guy has written a novel almost every year since 1988—following a formula is clearly working for him.

And while certain aspects of his books can be predictable, his predilection for a good twist will always keep you guessing. I think my mom (and dad!) and I can agree that his books are un-put-downable and are usually ones read in one sitting—which is also usually a recipe a good movie adaptation.

Between 1993 and 2004, Grisham’s words were adapted into nearly a dozen movies*, grossed more than 650 million dollars at the box office and starred the likes of Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Cruise, Matt Damon, Samuel L. Jackson and Gene Hackman (not once, but three times!) Grisham's storytelling style blended the legal thriller and melodrama of contemporary fiction, resulting in blockbusters, Oscar nominations and Hollywood regard for years to come.

*This includes a TV show, two TV movies, and a movie based off an unpublished manuscript. All of this info was gathered via IMDb.

The Grisham formula, (coined by me, Julie) was identified from looking at the simple synopses of the movies. With the exception of Christmas with the Kranks, his books-turned-movies:

· Almost always involve a lawyer who is young, fresh out of law school, down on his luck, or has something else going against him

· Said lawyer usually takes on a case where they’re the underdog, or they’re defending the underdog

· Said underdog lawyer/client goes up against a big systemic bad guy—a corrupt justice system, a racist jury of peers, a scandal within the firm, etc.

· Largely take place in the South and a small town

So without further ado, I present to you, in no particular order, the Grisham books-turned-movies of the 90s and aughts.

The Chamber (1996)

Starring: Chris O’Donnell, Gene Hackman, Faye Dunaway

A young man fresh out of law school tries to win a reprieve for his racist grandfather who is on death row.

Christmas with the Kranks (2004) based on novel called Skipping Christmas

Starring: Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd.

With their daughter away, the Kranks decide to skip Christmas, but their neighbors aren’t having it.

Yep, this is a Grisham novel.

The Client (1994)

Starring: Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee Jones, Mary-Louise Parker

A lawyer offers a young boy protection when he gets involved with the mob after witnessing a crime.

The Firm (1993)

Starring: Tom Cruise, Gene Hackman, Hal Holbrook

Grisham’s second novel, written just after a Time to Kill. A young lawyer joins a prestigious law firm only to discover it has a serious dark side.

The Pelican Brief (1993)

Starring: Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington

A law student uncovers a conspiracy putting herself and others in danger.

The Rainmaker (1997)

Starring: Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Claire Dane, Jon Voight

An underdog lawyer takes on a fraudulent insurance company.

Runaway Jury (2003)

Starring: John Cusack, Rachel Weitz, Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman.

A juror works with someone on the outside to manipulate a court trial.

A Time to Kill (1996)

Starring Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey

Grisham was working as a lawyer in Mississippi when he overheard the testimony of a young rape victim and was inspired to start a novel exploring what would have happened if the girl’s father murdered her assailants. A Time to Kill was his first novel, but not his first movie. A young lawyer defends a black man of murdering two white men who raped his young daughter.

The Gingerbread Man (1998)

Starring Kenneth Branagh, Robert Downey Jr., and Robert Duvall

A lawyer helps his lover put her father behind bars, but then he escapes. It’s based on an unpublished Grisham manuscript.

The Innocent Man (2018)

Okay so this is not a movie but rather a docuseries on Netflix based on the narrative nonfiction book of the same name by Grisham published in 2006. It’s very In Cold Blood-y. Grisham’s touch on both the novel and the series (he’s executive producer and provides commentary throughout) adds to the compelling story that needs to be heard and told.

P.S. Have you read his newest yet? A Time For Mercy is brand spankin' new and is the follow-up to the O.G., A Time To Kill! I can't wait to read.