The Benefactor is a Francis Ford Coppola film released in 1997. The main roles in the film were played by Hollywood stars Matt Damon and Danny De Vito. What is the film "Benefactor" about?
History of creation
"Benefactor" is a picture created according to one of the works of John Grisham. In the USA, the books of this author are quite popular. In the past, Grisham worked as a lawyer. Now he is a politician and prose writer, whose books are published in huge print runs. Almost every of his works is transferred to the screen.
"Benefactor" is an adaptation of the novel "Golden Rain", published in 1995. The film was such a stunning success in the author’s homeland that the filmmakers decided to make a television film based on it. Work on the series will begin in 2017.
But, according to critics, the picture of Coppola will remain the best adaptation of the book by Grisham. The director himself believes that the “Benefactor" is the best adaptation of any of the works of this writer.
Plot
This film is about the dark side of the legal world. The main character is Rudy Baylor. He is a lawyer by profession. This man has been dreaming of a luxurious life all his life: a villa on the coast and an impressive bank account. That is why he once graduated from the law faculty. But for many years Rudy has to play a secondary role in the legal sphere. His legal income is poor, while his colleagues receive huge fees.
Damon's assistant is Dec Schifflet. He is an extremely sneaky and experienced lawyer, but for some reason he is not licensed. One day, Rudy discovers that some insurance company refused to pay for a person dying of leukemia. Later it becomes known that this case is far from an isolated one, but is part of the scheme that the organization has established in order to increase profits.
"Benefactor" is a film about a difficult choice, before which a person once faces. So, the hero of the picture solves the dilemma: whether to get a few compensation from the insurance company or to give up all efforts to sue several million from this organization. A third option is also possible: Rudy and his assistant can lose the case and be left with nothing. In addition, this game is extremely dangerous and can cost the hero of a movie of life.
"The Benefactor" is a film that is not without a romantic storyline. Baylor has a love affair with one of his clients, whom he helps arrange a divorce from her tyrant husband.
Other actors
John Voight, Claire Danes, Teresa Wright, Mickey Rourke also played in the film. In 1998, the filmmakers were awarded the Golden Globe Award and John Voight was named the best supporting actor.