The Firm
Let's get things started with what I consider a no-brainer: The Firm.
This book, released in February 1991, covers the tale of Mitch McDeere and his wooing by a prestigious Memphis firm. Soon after joining up, he sees things that look suspicious. Things escalate until he's involved in blatantly illegal practices with mob clients. Eventually, he ends up fighting for his life as The Firm attempts to deal with him like they do with other problem employees: by killing him.
The differences:
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In the book, the ending is, well, muddled. It involves Mitch and his wife stealing money and secrets from the mob, then fleeing for their lives. Eventually, they make the Caribbean archipelago and sail from island to island, continuing to hide from the mob.
In the 1993 movie, Mitch finds a loophole guaranteeing the mob that he can not give up what he knows about them without violating attorney-client privilege. However, he is able to turn The Firm over to the feds for numerous postage violations which are actually strong enough to lock the partners away.
Why the flick is better:
What a great ending! You develop sympathy for Mitch, as he shows his human failings (greed, unfaithfulness), then struggles to overcome them. Then, you ride off into the sunset with him and his bride as he returns to a simpler way of life. That beats the heck out of seeing them looking over their shoulders as they attempt to dodge the bad guys for the rest of their lives!
Comments
I liked the book, but the movie's ending was better. Come on! "The moffia never forgets," which means they'll never forget McDeere and you KNOW they will eventually find him and his wife....even if it takes years. Plus, Avery Tolar, McDeere's mentor, is a lot more likable in the movie. I actually felt sorry for him when it is later mentioned that he died in the bathtub.
Posted by: Jennifer | July 20, 2006 05:26 PM