Was The Pelican Brief Based On A True Story
The Pelican Brief is a legal thriller novel written by John Grisham, published in 1992. The book was an instant success, and it was later adapted into a movie in 1993, starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington. The story revolves around a young law student named Darby Shaw, who writes a legal brief that exposes a conspiracy involving the assassination of two Supreme Court justices.
Many readers and viewers have wondered whether The Pelican Brief is based on a true story. In this article, we will explore the origins of the story and examine whether there is any truth to it.
The Origins of The Pelican Brief
The Pelican Brief is a work of fiction, and John Grisham has stated that the story is entirely a product of his imagination. However, the author has also said that he was inspired by real-life events and his experiences as a lawyer.
Grisham was a successful attorney before he turned to writing, and he used his knowledge of the legal system to create his novels. In an interview with USA Today, Grisham said that he got the idea for The Pelican Brief when he was reading about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He was struck by the fact that so many people believed that there was a conspiracy behind the killing, and he began to wonder what would happen if someone were to uncover a similar plot today.
Grisham also drew on his experiences working with environmental groups to create Darby Shaw, the protagonist of The Pelican Brief. In the book, Darby is a law student who writes a legal brief about the effects of oil drilling on the Louisiana coastline. Grisham has said that he was inspired by the work of the Sierra Club, which he worked with during his time as a lawyer.
The Plot of The Pelican Brief
The Pelican Brief tells the story of Darby Shaw, a law student at Tulane University in New Orleans. After two Supreme Court justices are assassinated, Darby writes a legal brief that speculates that the murders were part of a larger conspiracy involving a powerful oil tycoon named Victor Mattiece.
Darby's brief falls into the hands of an FBI agent named Gray Grantham, who becomes convinced that she is onto something. Together, they try to unravel the conspiracy and expose the truth.
The Pelican Brief is a fast-paced thriller that keeps readers and viewers on the edge of their seats. The book and movie are both highly entertaining, but they are works of fiction and should not be taken as fact.
The Verdict
So, was The Pelican Brief based on a true story? The answer is no. While John Grisham was inspired by real-life events and his experiences as a lawyer, The Pelican Brief is a work of fiction.
However, that doesn't mean that the book and movie aren't worth reading and watching. The Pelican Brief is a gripping tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of law and politics.
In conclusion, The Pelican Brief is a work of fiction that was inspired by real-life events. While the story is not based on a true story, it is still an entertaining and thought-provoking work that is well worth reading and watching.