Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey made his debut in Richard Linklater’s 1993 film Dazed and Confused. However, he had his big break in the 1996 films Lone Star and A Time to Kill, and his performance in the latter established him as one of the leading stars in the industry. Starring alongside Sandra Bullock, McConaughey portrayed a lawyer, Jake Brigancel, who defends Carl Lee Hailey for killing two men who r*ped his daughter.
While it received mixed reviews from critics, the movie was able to make it big at the box office making $152 million worldwide. The Interstellar star was praised for his performance, and the American filmmaker Joel Schumacher even went on to compare him with the award-winning actor Marlon Brando.
Joel Schumacher’s Compliment to Matthew McConaughey
After making his debut with the 1993 film Dazed and Confused, Matthew McConaughey starred in a number of movies. However, none of them were helpful to the aspiring actor’s future in the industry. Followed by the disappointing initial years in the movies, he auditioned for Joel Schumacher’s 1996 film A Time to Kill.
While he auditioned for a different role, he wanted to portray the role of Jake Brigance in the movie. And he was able to land the part after a private screentest. The 1996 film became a turning point in his career, as it became a commercial success and also garnered attention for the actor.
McConaughey, along with the rest of the cast, was praised for his performance. Many even started comparing him with some of the best actors of the time, including Paul Newman, claiming that he would be the next big thing in Hollywood.
However, the film’s director found him more like Marlon Brando, who is considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. During an interview with Vanity, he said, “I think he’s much more like Brando,” before adding, “But I do think he’s a total original. I don’t know anyone like him.” He also stated that he was sure the actor would be able to handle the stardom following the 1996 film.
Matthew McConaughey Was Laughed at For Wanting to Lead the 1996 Film
Matthew McConaughey initially auditioned for a minor role in A Time to Kill before attempting to land the role of Jake Brigance. However, the actor has shared that he was laughed at for wanting to feature in the Sandra Bullock starrer.
“I totally straight-faced him. He laughed and said, ‘That’s a great idea, but it will never happen. I think you’d be great, and it won’t happen,'” he shared during an interview with Cigar Aficionado. He also stated that several other actors, including Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson, were considered for the part. But things worked out in The Gentlemen star’s favor, and he eventually got the part he was aiming for.
A Time to Kill is available on Prime Video.
Source: Vanity Fair
