The Pelican Letter (1993)

Directed by: Alan J. Pakula | 141 minutes | action, drama, thriller | Actors: Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard, John Heard, Tony Goldwyn, James Sikking, William Atherton, Robert Culp, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow

She is at her most charming in romantic comedies such as ‘Pretty Woman’, ‘Notting Hill’, ‘Runaway Bride’ and ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’. But she knows how to win children’s hearts just as well as little Tinkerbell in the adventurous family film ‘Hook’. Even in blockbusters bursting with big-name stars such as ‘America’s Sweethearts’ and ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, she draws attention. She drags you into gripping stories like ‘Erin Brockovich’ and ‘Stepmom’. Julia Roberts can handle all genres and plays the role of a prostitute just as easily as a movie star or a professor.

In ‘The Pelican Brief’, Julia Roberts is an ambitious law student, Darby Shaw, who is pursued by hitmen after writing a theory about the murder of two judges. She also plays this role very convincingly. Next to Julia Roberts we see Denzel Washington, who plays the role of journalist Gray Grantham. He really needs no further introduction. Denzel Washington has also played various roles. Some of the films he has starred in are ‘Malcolm X’, ‘Mo Better Blues’ and ‘Philadelphia’.

In a film, which actually only has two protagonists, the chemistry between the protagonists is of great importance. These two actors succeed in their mission. The chemistry is a strong asset of ‘The Pelican Brief’.

The same goes for the script. Several of John Grisham’s books have been made into films, such as ‘The Firm’ and ‘The Peacemaker’. ‘The Pelican Brief’ is one of the best film adaptations. The rights to the film had already been sold before he even had a letter on paper. The book is slightly more exciting than the movie and if you’ve read the book first, you’re better off in the movie. The build-up of ‘The Pelican Brief’ is very strong. As a viewer you are involved piece by piece in the ups and downs of the protagonists. Unnoticed, the film changes from a quiet film with a story in progress into an action film that keeps you on the edge of your seat.