Release CalendarDVD & Blu-ray ReleasesTop 250 MoviesMost Popular MoviesBrowse Movies by GenreTop Box OfficeShowtimes & TicketsIn TheatersComing SoonMovie NewsIndia Movie Spotlight
    What's on TV & StreamingTop 250 TV ShowsMost Popular TV ShowsBrowse TV Shows by GenreTV NewsIndia TV Spotlight
    What to WatchLatest TrailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsBest Picture WinnersBest Picture WinnersEmmysSTARmeter AwardsSan Diego Comic-ConNew York Comic-ConSundance Film FestivalToronto Int'l Film FestivalAwards CentralFestival CentralAll Events
    Born TodayMost Popular CelebsMost Popular CelebsCelebrity News
    Help CenterContributor ZonePolls
For Industry Professionals
  • All
  • Titles
  • TV Episodes
  • Celebs
  • Companies
  • Keywords
  • Advanced Search
Watchlist
Sign In

Päämies

Original title: The Client
  • 19941994
  • K-12K-12
  • 1h 59m
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
65K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
4,804
313
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon, and Brad Renfro in The Client (1994)
Trailer for The Client
Play trailer1:57
1 Video
75 Photos
CrimeDramaMystery

A young boy who witnessed the suicide of a mafia lawyer hires an attorney to protect him when the District Attorney tries to use him to take down a mob family.A young boy who witnessed the suicide of a mafia lawyer hires an attorney to protect him when the District Attorney tries to use him to take down a mob family.A young boy who witnessed the suicide of a mafia lawyer hires an attorney to protect him when the District Attorney tries to use him to take down a mob family.

IMDb RATING
6.8/10
65K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
4,804
313
  • Director
    • Joel Schumacher
  • Writers
    • John Grisham(novel)
    • Akiva Goldsman(screenplay)
    • Robert Getchell(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Susan Sarandon
    • Tommy Lee Jones
    • Brad Renfro
Top credits
  • Director
    • Joel Schumacher
  • Writers
    • John Grisham(novel)
    • Akiva Goldsman(screenplay)
    • Robert Getchell(screenplay)
  • Stars
    • Susan Sarandon
    • Tommy Lee Jones
    • Brad Renfro
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 125User reviews
    • 54Critic reviews
    • 65Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar
      • 3 wins & 4 nominations total

    Videos1

    The Client
    Trailer 1:57
    The Client

    Photos75

    Susan Sarandon and Brad Renfro in The Client (1994)
    Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon, and William Sanderson in The Client (1994)
    The Client (1994)
    The Client (1994)
    The Client (1994)
    The Client (1994)
    The Client (1994)
    The Client (1994)
    The Client (1994)
    The Client (1994)
    The Client (1994)
    The Client (1994)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Susan Sarandon
    Susan Sarandon
    • Reggie Loveas Reggie Love
    Tommy Lee Jones
    Tommy Lee Jones
    • Roy Foltriggas Roy Foltrigg
    Brad Renfro
    Brad Renfro
    • Mark Swayas Mark Sway
    Mary-Louise Parker
    Mary-Louise Parker
    • Dianne Swayas Dianne Sway
    Anthony LaPaglia
    Anthony LaPaglia
    • Barry Muldanoas Barry Muldano
    J.T. Walsh
    J.T. Walsh
    • McThuneas McThune
    Anthony Edwards
    Anthony Edwards
    • Clint Von Hooseras Clint Von Hooser
    Will Patton
    Will Patton
    • Sgt. Hardyas Sgt. Hardy
    Bradley Whitford
    Bradley Whitford
    • Thomas Finkas Thomas Fink
    Anthony Heald
    Anthony Heald
    • Trumannas Trumann
    Kim Coates
    Kim Coates
    • Paul Gronkeas Paul Gronke
    Kimberly Scott
    Kimberly Scott
    • Doreenas Doreen
    David Speck
    • Ricky Swayas Ricky Sway
    William H. Macy
    William H. Macy
    • Dr. Greenwayas Dr. Greenway
    Ossie Davis
    Ossie Davis
    • Harry Rooseveltas Harry Roosevelt
    Micole Mercurio
    Micole Mercurio
    • Momma Loveas Momma Love
    William Sanderson
    William Sanderson
    • Wally Boxxas Wally Boxx
    Walter Olkewicz
    Walter Olkewicz
    • Jerome 'Romey' Cliffordas Jerome 'Romey' Clifford
    • Director
      • Joel Schumacher
    • Writers
      • John Grisham(novel)
      • Akiva Goldsman(screenplay)
      • Robert Getchell(screenplay)
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

    Storyline

    Edit
    Mark Sway is an 11-year-old boy who lives with his mother and brother in a trailer. One day, he and his brother are hanging out when a car pulls over beside them. The driver then sticks a hose in his exhaust and puts the other end into the car. Mark pulls it out. But the man sees him and grabs him and takes inside the car. The man talks to Mark then later shoots himself. The shock sends Mark's brother into a catatonic state. .And one of his clients is a member of a mob family who is suspected of killing a Senator who was trying to take down his family. But because the Senator's body is missing, they can't prosecute him. Reggie thinks Foltrigg thinks the lawyer told Mark where the body is which is why he wants to speak to him. Mark goes to meet Roy and when he threatens him, Mark steps out then Reggie comes in with a recording of his conversation with Mark telling him that made several violations. In the meantime, the mobster is told by the head of the family to take care of Mark. So, he threatens Mark. Mark doesn't know what to do and learns that Reggie has some secrets of her own and is uncertain if he can trust her. —rcs0411@yahoo.com
    district attorneyreference to led zeppelinlawyer client relationshipfemale lawyerelvis presley character234 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • A District Attorney Out For A Conviction. A New Lawyer Out Of Her League. A Young Boy Who Knew Too Much.
    • Genres
      • Crime
      • Drama
      • Mystery
      • Thriller
    • Certificate
      • K-12
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      At the time of filming, author John Grisham had casting approval over all film adaptations of his work, and specified that "no professional child actors in Hollywood" be cast as Mark Sway. He felt that the film wouldn't work with a well-known child actor (sporting a phony accent) in the role and that by casting an unknown in the part (preferably from the Memphis area, where the story is set) the film's credibility wouldn't be compromised. Brad Renfro, a native of Knoxville, Tennessee beat out thousands of actors for the role, including Macaulay Culkin.
    • Goofs
      Some have suggested that Mark could not be charged with obstruction of justice simply for lying or refusing to cooperate with the FBI, because of the 5th Amendment. This is not true. Lying to the FBI/prosecutor/police officer can result in a charge of obstruction. Refusing to answer questions will quickly result in a formal subpoena; if one then continues to refuse to testify, he could be charged with contempt. The right not to speak to police or prosecutors (the 5th Amendment) only consists of the right not to incriminate oneself of a crime. However, at the court hearing, Reggie tries to argue around this limitation by pointing out that the prosecutors vaguely implied that Mark could've been involved in killing the lawyer. But the judge doesn't buy it (and the prosecutors could easily get around the problem by giving Mark a guarantee of immunity). If he refused to testify, Mark could be charged with contempt of court. If he lied, he could be charged with obstruction of justice, lying to a federal agent, and/or perjury.
    • Quotes

      Roy: Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, so sayeth the Psalms!

      Judge Harry Roosevelt: That's Proverbs 12:22.

    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert & the Movies: The Client/Lassie/It Could Happen to You/North/Barcelona (1994)
    • Soundtracks
      Heartbreak Hotel
      Written by Mae Boren Axton (as Mae Anton), Tommy Durden and Elvis Presley

      Produced and Performed by Steve Tyrell

    User reviews125

    Review
    Top review
    Compelling, engrossing and well acted thriller.
    "The Client" is an enjoyable and well executed thriller overall. While the directing, script and overall product are far from amazing and sometimes quite bland, the Oscar level performances compensate for the easily over-seeable flaws.

    Perhaps the child of the title, Brad Renfro, can be annoying in parts he gives a decent enough performance nonetheless. Too bad about the drinks and drugs problem he has today. Susan Sarandon gives another terrific performance, this time as an alcoholic lawyer. Tommy Lee Jones' character doesn't have much to do with the plot but he's a welcome addition to the film, even though.

    While it is easy to find fault with the film it's easier to just sit back and enjoy it. I chose the latter so I thought it was a good, if not spectacular movie overall. 6.8/10.
    helpful•15
    10
    • Silverzero
    • Mar 17, 2003

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 16, 1994 (Finland)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Klienten
    • Filming locations
      • Memphis, Tennessee, USA
    • Production companies
      • Warner Bros.
      • New Regency Productions
      • Alcor Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $45,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $92,115,211
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $17,174,262
      • Jul 24, 1994
    • Gross worldwide
      • $117,615,211
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 59 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby SR
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

    Related news

    Susan Sarandon, Anna Friel to Star in Country Music Drama ‘Monarch’ at Fox
    Susan Sarandon, Anna Friel to Star in Country Music Drama ‘Monarch’ at Fox
    Sep 7The Wrap
    Susan Sarandon, Anna Friel to Star in Fox Country Music Drama Series ‘Monarch’
    Susan Sarandon, Anna Friel to Star in Fox Country Music Drama Series ‘Monarch’
    Sep 7Variety Film + TV

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon, and Brad Renfro in The Client (1994)
    Top Gap
    By what name was The Client (1994) officially released in India in English?
    Answer
    • See more gaps
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    View image
    Photos
    Would You Recognize These Child Stars Today?
    See the entire gallery
    Image caption not available
    3:11
    Remembering the Stars We Lost in 2021
    Watch the video

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb App
    • Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • IMDb Developer
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Interest-Based Ads

    © 1990-2022 by IMDb.com, Inc.