AWRF - Michael Connelly - The Lincoln Lawyer

From our roving reporter

Specialist crime fiction journalist Craig Sisterson gave Michael Connelly (photo right - NYT) a warm and generous introduction at this final event of the Auckland Writers & Readers Festival.

Then Michael gave the audience an insight into how he came up with the Mickey Haller character and the behind-the-scenes story of the leap from page to screen. Michael enthused about the film adaptation, particularly the quality of the actors, and the choice of music in the film. He said it was rare for an author to be so enthusiastic about a film adaptation of their own book, so he's been included in a lot of the promotional activity around the film. 

An interesting anecdote which Michael recounted on the book signing table, was that the real-life inspiration for the 'Lincoln lawyer' character, a lawyer who worked from his car, traveling from courthouse to courthouse, actually lived next door to Matthew McConaughey, who played Mickey Haller in the film. Despite being neighbours year ago, they'd never met, until the film's Hollywood premiere.

The film was incredibly enjoyable and very well received by the audience, who queued up enthusiastically after the screening to meet Michael Connelly and get their numerous books signed.  The overwhelming consensus was that Matthew McConaughey played the perfect Mickey Haller, with the right mix of charm, sleaze and cool. Well worth watching when it comes out on DVD on August 3, if you missed the opportunity to see it last night.

Below - Two pics from the night, author signing, and with Craig Sisterson