A Time to Kill (1996)

What is the Movie A Time To Kill About?

The film A Time To Kill is a legal thriller set in Mississippi. It revolves around a murder committed by a distraught father. It starts when two white men abduct and rape a ten year old African American named Tonya Hailey. Her father, Carl Lee Hailey then murders both of them in public, enraged by the chance that they might go free.

Carl is soon arrested, and turns to white lawyer Jake Brigance to defend him. The trial attracts significant media attention and as racial tensions threaten to boil over, Jake finds himself wondering how he can possibly defend a murder committed in plain sight? 

Our Honest Review of A Time To Kill

‘Tense,’ is the first word that comes to mind when we think about A Time To Kill. Joel Schumacher’s adaptation of John Grisham’s racially-charged novel is over two hours long and features extended scenes of dialogue, but it feels much shorter than it really is. As the drama unfolds, it becomes increasingly nailbiting and we found ourselves getting almost as sweaty as the characters onscreen. 

It’s also likely to cause a debate or two if you watch it with your friends. There is a lot of noise around the central court case, but ultimately it boils down to the question of whether murder is justified? But the actors in A Time To Kill are all excellent and you’ll be gripping your seat with suspense regardless of your moral code.

What Do the Critics Think of A Time To Kill?

A Time To Kill received mixed reviews from critics. The acting was largely praised, although some were critical of the provocative subject matter.

• “Although it has its share of implausibilities, A Time To Kill is generally the most satisfying of the John Grisham screen adaptations to date.” – Todd McCarthy, Variety.

• “Justice may be blind, but rarely have courtroom dramas presumed quite so heavily on cultural myopia as this heinous version of John Grisham’s first novel.” – Geoff Andrew, Time Out.

• “A skillfully constructed morality play that pushes all the right buttons and arrives at all the right conclusions.” – Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times.

• “Like many artists today, Grisham and Schumacher exploit racial tension without understanding it.” – Anthony Puccinelli, Chicago Reader.

• “If the film doesn’t add up to a cogent legal argument, neither does it have trouble delivering 2 hours and 20 minutes’ worth of sturdy, highly charged drama.” – Janet Maslin, New York Times. 

What Awards and Nominations did A Time To Kill Receive?

A Time To Kill was nominated for several accolades, although we must point out, one of them was satirical. The awards and nominations it received included:

• Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for Samuel L. Jackson.
• NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture (won). 
• MTV Movie Award for Best Female Performance for Sandra Bullock. 
• MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance for Matthew McConaughey (won). 
• Razzie Award for Worst Written Film Grossing Over $100 Million for Akiva Goldsman.

Cast & Crew of A Time To Kill

Fun Facts About A Time To Kill

• John Grisham has described the original novel as “very autobiographical,” and McConaughey’s character is based on his experiences practicing law, prior to his writing career. 

• John Grisham was paid $6 million for the rights to the novel.

• The film is Octavia Spencer’s movie debut. 

• Paul Newman was offered the part of Lucien Wilbanks but turned it down as he objected to the content. 

• This is the second movie (after 1983’s Max Dugan Returns) to star both Kiefer Sutherland and his father Donald Sutherland, although their characters are not related. 

Themes of A Time To Kill

A Time To Kill is centred around themes of justice against a backdrop of severe racial tensions in a southern US state. The defendant is a black man and he’s being tried in front of an all-white jury.It explores how racial biases can affect criminal cases and whether there is real equality in the eyes of the law. There was some controversy here, especially in France, where there were serious questions asked about whether the film was pro-death penalty. 

How Does A Time To Kill Compare to Joel Schumacher’s Other Work?

The closest comparison we can draw from Joel Schumacher’s filmography is  The Client, which came out in 1994. Like A Time To Kill, it’s a legal drama based on a John Grisham novel. Both films are capably directed, although The Client has a slightly-less controversial theme; it’s based around an eleven year old who witnesses a suicide and the racial themes of A Time To Kill are absent. 

If pushed, we’d argue that The Client is the better film, but only by a small margin. The two movies would make a good double bill, unlike some of Schumacher’s other works. For example, if you were to watch A Time To Kill back-to-back with his garish and high-camp superhero movie Batman & Robin (1997), you’d never guess they were made by the same director. 

Iconic Scenes from A Time To Kill

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• Samuel L. Jackson believes that the editing process took away his chances of an Academy Award nomination. Several emotional scenes that portrayed his character in a more sympathetic light were cut and he was disappointed to find that his screen time was reduced.

• Joel Schumacher offered the part of Jake Brigance to Val Kilmer, despite having clashed with him on the set of Batman Forever (1995).

• Sandra Bullock and Matthew McConaughey dated for two years after meeting on set.

• Director Joel Schumacher’s second film to star both Oliver Platt and Kiefer Sutherland, they previously worked together on Flatliners (1990).

• Joel Schumacher’s first choice for the role of Jake Brigance was Woody Harrelson, but Grisham had casting approval and overruled him. Matthew McConaughey got the part instead, and would later meet Harrelson in 1998. The two became close friends, and there is a popular theory that they are half brothers, although this has never been confirmed.

What’s the Soundtrack Like for A Time To Kill?

The soundtrack for A Time To Kill was written by Elliott Goldenthal and consists of instrumental pieces. It’s decent enough, although it works best when viewed in the context of the film. It makes a pleasant backdrop if you’re driving on unwinding in the evening, but isn’t an unmissable recording.

Best Quotes from A Time To Kill

• “If you win this case, justice will prevail, and if you lose, justice will also prevail. Now that is a strange case.” – Lucien Wilbanks, describing the conundrum at the heart of the film.

• “It’s my fault. No matter what gets said in court. I knew what I was doing, and I sure didn’t intend to hurt you, but just them two boys. I know it don’t mean much now, but I’m sorry.” – Carl Lee apologising in Court to a Sheriff’s Deputy who got caught in the crossfire.

• “There ain’t nothin’ more dangerous in this world than a fool with a cause.” – Jake Brigance, reflecting on the case.

• “Carl Lee Hailey should’ve shot you too.” – Ellen Roark, in conversation with local KKK member Freddie Lee Cobb.

• “Now, imagine she’s white. The defence rests.” – Jake Brigance finishes his closing remarks at the trial.

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