Making books into movies does not always work on many different levels. A reader invariably ( especially when there is a series of books or when the same character appears in more than one volume ) builds up an image of a character as they perceive them. When the book is then made into a film, if the director and casting crew have not quite got it right it can shatter the illusion of the character that lives in the readers mind (well it does for me anyway).
Tonight, we have watched The Lincoln Lawyer ( a Christmas pressie from my kids ), based on the novel of the same name by one of my favourite authors Michael Connelly featuring lawyer Mickey Haller.
The Lincoln Lawyer is the book that introduces cynical defense attorney Michael Haller tp the reader. Haller's nickname "the Lincoln Lawyer" was borne out of his preference for working out of his Lincoln Town Car instead of in an office. Twice married Haller's ex's are Maggie McPherson - nicknamed "McFierce" by defense lawyers, is a career prosecutor with the Los Angeles County DA's Office and the pair divorced due to their careers being opposite each others—Haller was defending accused criminals, while McPherson was prosecuting them—although they have continued to maintain a close relationship with periodic reconciliations. Lorna Taylor (ex number 2) is Haller's office secretary.Haller maintains good relationships with both of his ex-wives and has joint custody of his daughter.
There is a softer side to Haller though too, having taken his driver Earl on because he was a former client who works his debt off having been unable to meet his legal fees owed to Haller. One of his Private Investigators is formerly a member of a bike gang frequently defended on a variety of matters by Haller. Haller's discomfort with representing the guilty is a constant theme in the series, and he has twice attempted to move to the prosecution.
The plot of the Lincoln lawyer twists and turns from almost the beginning to the end. The story focuses on an unusually important case of wealthy Los Angeles realtor Louis Roulet who has been accused of assault and attempted murder. At first, he appears to be innocent and set up by the female "victim."
However, Roulet's lies and many surprising revelations change Mickey's original case theory, making him reconsider the situation of Jesus Menendez, a former client serving time in San Quentin State Prison after pleading guilty to a similar and mysteriously related crime.
In the end, Haller outmaneuvers Roulet without violating ethical obligations, frees the innocent Menendez.
So having built up an image of Haller in my own mind I was intruiged so see whether Matthew McConaughey cut the mustard. I must admit, my initial reaction was that he was too arrogant to be my Mickey Haller, but as the film progressed I warmed to the portrayal until in the end I was won over and my mind's image of Haller has been slightly amended !
We have The LIncoln Lawyer and many other titles for sale at Stort Books
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