The Rainmaker

The Rainmaker

Year: 1997

Runtime: 135 min

Language: English

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

DramaThrillerCrime

During the devastating drought of 1930s Kansas, a charismatic con man named Bill Starbuck offers a solution – rain – for a price. As he seeks to win the affections of Lizzie, a reserved spinster, he faces challenges from the townspeople, particularly Curry, who doubts his abilities. Bill must find a way to deliver on his promise and confront his own flaws, all while navigating a community desperate for hope and redemption.

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Timeline & Setting – The Rainmaker (1997)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Rainmaker (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the movie unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting the current legal struggles and challenges faced by young attorneys. This period is marked by an increasingly competitive legal environment where ethical dilemmas and personal hardships are prevalent.

Location

Memphis

Memphis is a vibrant city located along the Mississippi River, known for its rich cultural heritage and music scene, particularly blues and rock 'n' roll. It serves as a backdrop for Rudy's journey through the cutthroat legal landscape, highlighting the struggles faced by newcomers in a saturated job market.

🏙️ City ⚖️ Legal

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:05

Main Characters – The Rainmaker (1997)

Meet the key characters of The Rainmaker (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rudy Baylor

Rudy is an aspiring attorney who emerges from law school with dreams of making a difference, only to confront harsh realities in a competitive legal world. His determination to fight for justice drives him to take on challenging cases, but he also grapples with personal dilemmas and ethical choices throughout his journey.

💼 Aspiring Lawyer 🚀 Determined

Deck Shifflet

Deck is a former insurance assessor turned paralegal who brings invaluable skills to Rudy's side despite his own shortcomings, including a history of failing the bar exam. His street-smart intelligence and expertise in insurance cases complement Rudy's legal training, making him a loyal ally in the pursuit of justice.

📚 Paralegal 🤔 Clever

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:05

Major Themes – The Rainmaker (1997)

Explore the central themes of The Rainmaker (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice is central to Rudy's journey as he battles against a powerful insurance company that denies claims to vulnerable families. His fight encapsulates the moral complexities of the legal profession and the quest to bring accountability to those who exploit the system.

🤝 Friendship

The bond between Rudy and Deck highlights the importance of camaraderie in overcoming adversity. Their partnership demonstrates how friendship can provide support and motivation, particularly in high-pressure situations filled with ethical challenges.

💔 Struggle

Rudy's experiences showcase the struggle of entering a challenging profession, highlighting the emotional and financial burdens he faces. From his initial desperation in securing a job to the heartbreak of the legal outcomes, these struggles define his character growth throughout the film.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:05

Unlock the Full Story of The Rainmaker

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Rainmaker in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Rainmaker is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Rainmaker Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Rainmaker, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Rainmaker Summary

The Rainmaker Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Rainmaker with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Rainmaker Timeline

More About The Rainmaker

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Rainmaker: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Rainmaker

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