The
Lincoln Lawyer is a 2011 American thriller film
adapted from the novel of the same name by Michael Connelly, starring Matthew
McConaughey, Ryan Phillippe, William H. Macy and Marisa Tomei. The film is
directed by Brad Furman, with a screenplay written by John Romano. The story is
adapted from the first of several novels featuring lawyer Mickey Haller, who
works out of a chauffeur-driven Lincoln Town Car rather than an office. Haller
is hired by a wealthy Los Angeles businesswoman to defend her son, who is
accused of assault. Details of the crime bring up uncomfortable parallels with
a former case, and Haller discovers the two cases are intertwined.
Story:
Criminal
defense attorney Mickey Haller (Matthew McConaughey) operates around Los
Angeles County, mostly from the back seat of his black Lincoln Town Car,
chauffeured by Earl (Laurence Mason). Most of Haller's career has been
defending garden-variety criminals, including a local biker gang led by Eddie
Vogel (Trace Adkins). A high-profile case comes his way and Haller is hired to
represent wealthy Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), a Beverly Hills playboy and
son of real estate mogul Mary Windsor (Frances Fisher). Roulet is accused of
brutally beating prostitute Regina Campo (Margarita Levieva). Roulet insists he
is the innocent victim of a frame-up. Haller and his investigator, Frank Levin
(William H. Macy) analyze photos and evidence and find it similar to one of
Haller's past cases that resulted in a life-sentence for his client, Jesus
Martinez (Michael Peña), for murdering a woman, despite his repeatedly
proclaiming his innocence.
Haller's
ex-wife, prosecutor Maggie McPherson (Marisa Tomei) has never appreciated
Haller representing guilty clients, though they remain close. Haller wonders if
he should have done more for Martinez rather than persuading him to plead
guilty to avoid the death penalty. Haller visits Martinez in prison and
Martinez becomes agitated when Haller shows him Roulet's photo. Haller now
believes Roulet is the killer in the Martinez case, but bound by attorney–client
confidentiality rules, is unable to reveal what he knows.
Roulet
breaks into Haller's house and nonchalantly admits to committing the murder
Martinez was convicted for. He makes veiled threats toward Haller's ex-wife and
their daughter. Levin is found shot to death after leaving Haller a voicemail
message claiming that he found Martinez's "ticket out of jail." Levin
was shot with a .22 caliber pistol, and Haller discovers that his late father's
.22 Colt Woodsmen is missing from its box. Detective Lankford (Bryan Cranston),
who dislikes Haller, discovers the gun's registration and suspects Haller's
involvement in Levin's murder. Haller is certain that Roulet stole the weapon
when he broke into Haller's home.
Obliged
to do his best for his client, guilty or not, Haller ruthlessly cross-examines
Campo and discredits her in the jury's eyes. However, Haller sets up a known
prison informant with information on the previous murder. When the informant
testifies, Haller discredits him, and the state's attorney (Josh Lucas) can
only move to dismiss all charges. Roulet is set free, to his mother's delight,
but the police arrest him immediately for the previous murder, based upon
testimony Haller coaxed from the informant.
Haller
acquires a Smith and Wesson pistol from his driver, Earl for protection. Roulet
is released due to lack of evidence and threatens to kill Maggie and their
daughter. Haller is waiting for Roulet at Maggie's house when he arrives. He
mockingly tells Haller that he cannot guard his family all the time. The group of
bikers Haller previously represented suddenly arrive and brutally beat Roulet.
Maggie
discovers that Levin had found a parking ticket that was issued to Roulet near
the previous murder victim's house. It is strong evidence against Roulet in his
pending murder trial and will support Martinez's innocence. Upon arriving home,
Haller discovers Roulet's mother, Mary Windsor, waiting inside. She shoots him
with the Colt Woodsman, confessing that she murdered Levin to protect her son.
Haller shoots and kills her. When Haller is released from the hospital, he
learns that Martinez has been released, and that the District Attorney will
seek the death penalty against Roulet. As Haller rides off to his next case, he
is pulled over by Vogel and the biker gang, whose next case he takes pro bono
due to their previous help.
Cast
·
Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Haller
·
Ryan Phillippe as Louis Roulet
·
Marisa Tomei as Margaret McPherson
·
Michaela Conlin as Detective Heidi
Sobel
·
Josh Lucas as Ted Minton
·
William H. Macy as Frank Levin
·
Bryan Cranston as Detective Lankford
·
Margarita Levieva as Regina Campo
·
Trace Adkins as Eddie Vogel
·
Laurence Mason as Earl
·
Frances Fisher as Mary Windsor
·
John Leguizamo as Val Valenzuela
·
Michael Peña
as Jesus Martinez
·
Mackenzie Aladjem as Hayley Haller
·
Bob Gunton as Cecil Dobbs
·
Katherine Moennig as Gloria
·
Reggie Baker as Judge Fullbright
·
Michael Paré as Detective Kurlen
·
Pell James as Lorna Taylor
·
Shea Whigham as DJ Corliss
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