The Pelican Brief Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A law student writes a paper so inflammatory that it gets her professor blown up, then she teams up with Denzel to outsmart the President, who is apparently really worried about some pelicans.

🍿 The Pelican Brief: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Assassinations and a Legal Theory

The film opens with the assassinations of two Supreme Court Justices, Rosenberg and Jensen, sending shockwaves through Washington D.C. Darby Shaw, a Tulane law student, pieces together a legal brief theorizing a connection between the seemingly unrelated murders. Her brief, dubbed ‘The Pelican Brief,’ suggests a conspiracy involving a powerful oil tycoon and his desire to influence a pending environmental case before the Supreme Court.

On the Run

Darby’s life is thrown into chaos when her professor and lover, Thomas Callahan, is murdered after sharing her brief with an FBI contact. Realizing she’s in danger, Darby goes on the run, understanding that someone powerful wants her silenced. She quickly learns that her apartment has been ransacked, and all copies of her brief are missing.

Seeking Help from a Reporter

Desperate and alone, Darby seeks out Gray Grantham, an investigative reporter for The Washington Herald. Grantham, initially skeptical, begins to believe Darby’s theory as he uncovers corroborating evidence and experiences his own brushes with danger. Together, they navigate a treacherous web of political intrigue and corporate greed, attempting to expose the truth before they become the next victims.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Darby Shaw (Julia Roberts): A law student whose legal brief implicating powerful figures in the assassination of two Supreme Court Justices makes her a target.
• Gray Grantham (Denzel Washington): An investigative reporter who partners with Darby to uncover the truth behind the assassinations and expose the conspiracy.
• Khamel (Stanley Tucci): A highly skilled and ruthless assassin hired to eliminate those who threaten the conspiracy.
• Fletcher Coal (Tony Goldwyn): The White House Chief of Staff who attempts to suppress the truth to protect the President and his administration.
• Gavin Verheek (John Heard): An FBI attorney and friend of Callahan who becomes involved after receiving Darby’s brief.
• Smith Keen (John Lithgow): Gray Grantham’s editor at the Washington Herald, initially skeptical but ultimately supportive of the investigation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Darby Shaw: “Everyone I have told about the brief is dead.” – Darby expresses the dire consequences of possessing the knowledge within the Pelican Brief.
• Gray Grantham: “How’d you find me?” – Gray is curious about how Darby managed to locate him so easily.
• Darby Shaw: “I called the paper and asked for your address.” – Darby explains her simple yet effective method for finding Gray.
• Darby Shaw: “You’re not the only one that does research.” – Darby’s rejoinder to Gray, when he seemed surprised that she knew he had a sister Mary.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $45,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $100,768,056
• Worldwide Gross: $195,268,056

💥 The Pelican Brief Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched ‘The Pelican Brief’ again last night, and I have to say, it still holds up. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! The scene where Darby narrowly escapes the parking garage explosion? Seriously intense. Plus, Denzel and Julia together, even though there’s no romance, have this great on-screen presence. I was totally hooked, and it reminded me why I love these classic thrillers.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of John Grisham novels and legal thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in political conspiracy stories”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful movies with strong lead performances by Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Themes of political corruption”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Pakula’s direction keeps the suspense high, and Roberts and Washington shine, even if their characters lack depth. A solid legal thriller with political intrigue that keeps you guessing.
• The New York Times: “While engaging, the plot is convoluted and requires significant suspension of disbelief. Roberts and Washington have minimal chemistry, but their performances are compelling enough to make it worth watching.
• RogerEbert.com: “A well-crafted thriller that benefits from strong performances and Pakula’s steady hand. The film’s suspense and intrigue make it an entertaining watch, though it occasionally falters due to its complex plot.

Audience Reactions

The suspenseful plot twists keep you guessing until the end.: Viewers praise the movie’s fast-paced and intricate plot, as well as the excellent performances from Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington, making it a classic thriller.

Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts’ dynamic is captivating, even without a romantic angle.: The stellar acting and believable characters make it a very exciting experience. The neo-noir and manhunt themes kept people at the edge of their seats, which is a testament to its success.

Overall Consensus: A suspenseful legal thriller with strong performances but a complex plot that may require some suspension of disbelief.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Grisham specifically campaigned for Julia Roberts to get the role of Darby Shaw.”
• “Denzel Washington’s character, Gray Grantham, is a white man in the novel. The choice to cast Washington added a unique dynamic to the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Pelican Brief?

The Pelican Brief is currently available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. You can rent or purchase the movie on these platforms as well. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules. It is also available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray for those who prefer physical media.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Pelican Brief, you might like these similar films:

• All the President’s Men (1976): Both films explore the uncovering of a political conspiracy by journalists, emphasizing investigative work and the pursuit of truth.
• The Firm (1993): Another John Grisham adaptation involving legal conspiracies and a protagonist caught in a dangerous situation.
• Enemy of the State (1998): Focuses on a man framed for a crime and pursued by government agents, highlighting themes of surveillance and government overreach.
• State of Play (2009): A journalist investigates a series of suspicious deaths, uncovering a wider conspiracy involving powerful political figures.

🛒 The Pelican Brief Related Products

• The Pelican Brief (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: A limited edition Blu-ray of ‘The Pelican Brief’ with exclusive behind-the-scenes content and director’s commentary. This collector’s edition enhances the viewing experience with improved picture and sound quality, making it a must-have for fans.
• John Grisham: The Pelican Brief (Audiobook): An unabridged audiobook version of ‘The Pelican Brief’ by John Grisham, perfect for immersive listening. Enjoy the full story on the go, with professional narration bringing the characters and plot to life.
• The Pelican Brief Movie Poster (Framed): A high-quality framed reproduction of the original ‘The Pelican Brief’ movie poster. Add a touch of classic thriller to your home decor with this stylish and iconic poster.
• Pelican Bird Plush Toy: A cute and cuddly plush toy inspired by the pelicans featured in ‘The Pelican Brief.’ Soft and huggable, this plushie is a great way to show your love for the movie and pelicans!

🎧 Soundtrack

The Pelican Brief features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Blues For Carol” – performed by Clarence Hollimon
• “The Pelican Brief (Original Motion Picture Score)” – performed by James Horner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Reason Denzel Washington Refused To Kiss Julia Roberts

Did you know that Denzel Washington refused to kiss Julia Roberts in “The Pelican Brief”? Find out the surprising reason behind this on-set decision!

Julia Roberts Advice From Denzel Washington | Nightline | ABC News

Ever wondered what advice Denzel Washington gave Julia Roberts on the set of “The Pelican Brief”? Check out this interview to hear the heartwarming story!

The Pelican Brief… “They Are Wrong”

This powerful scene from “The Pelican Brief” will make you think twice about the importance of privacy. Get ready to engage in a thought-provoking discussion!

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