A Time To Kill

Hey all!  I hope you’re enjoying your Sunday evening.  I’m watching the Broncos game (Go Broncos!), but am flipping bath and forth to A Time to Kill as well.  I’m reading Sycamore Row, which is the the second installment of the A Time To Kill series by John Grisham.  The book is great so far, but I wanted to revisit a bit of the plot from A Time to Kill to jog my memory.  Here’s some trivia from the film for you.  Hope you have a great night and check back Tuesday for some exciting giveaway news!!!

—Matthew McConaughey was originally cast as Freddie Lee Cobb. After reading the script, he preferred the role of Jake Brigance. He went to director Joel Schumacher, who granted him a private screen test.

—Paul Newman turned down the role of Lucien Wilbanks because he found the film’s message distasteful.

—Donald Sutherland reportedly wanted Lucien Wilbanks to be much more of a radical drunkard. Joel Schumacher wanted a mostly serious drama, and said it would be too much comic relief.

—Kevin Costner was considered for the role of Jake Brigance, but wanted complete control of the project. Author John Grisham objected and Costner passed on the project.

—Woody Harrelson wanted to play Jake Brigance, but author John Grisham objected to his casting.

—Joel Schumacher originally offered the lead role to Val Kilmer during the production ofBatman Forever, but Kilmer declined.

–Film debut of Octavia Spencer.

—Bruce Dern was the original choice for the role of Judge Noose, but he had other commitments.

–Among the numerous actors considered for the lead were Alec Baldwin, Brad Pitt, Bill Paxton, Ralph Fiennes and Aidan Quinn.

–Like John Grisham‘s novel, the movie was very controversial, and was widely accused of condoning murder.

–Soon after the murders, Jake is tormented by guilt. He admits to Carla that he didn’t tell anyone about Carl Lee’s plans, because he didn’t believe Carl Lee would go through with them. In the book, he does tell the Sheriff, but the Sheriff is the one who downplays the potential danger.