From the Hip (film)

From the Hip

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	1987
Founder	Bob Clark, David E. Kelley
Products	Film

From the Hip is a 1987 American film blending courtroom drama with comedy, directed by Bob Clark and co-written by Clark alongside David E. Kelley. The cast features Judd Nelson, Elizabeth Perkins, John Hurt, Ray Walston, and Darren McGavin.

The narrative centers on a newly minted law graduate who strategically secures a role defending a banker, transforming the case into a media frenzy to boost his reputation and secure a promotion. Subsequently, he undertakes a prominent murder defense where, after discovering his client’s culpability, he chooses to uphold justice rather than protect his career ambitions.

Plot

Robin "Stormy" Weathers (Judd Nelson), recently graduated from law school, becomes disillusioned with mundane legal tasks and contrives a chance to argue a case himself. Tasked with defending a bank president charged with assaulting another banker, Weathers extends the proceedings by challenging the constitutional validity of using the term "asshole," attracting widespread media coverage. Although his unconventional methods embarrass senior partners who seek to dismiss him, the client threatens to pull their business, ensuring Weathers retains his position. This orchestrated legal strategy elevates the firm’s visibility and results in Weathers earning a junior partnership.

Following this, Weathers is named lead defense attorney in a first-degree murder trial involving university professor Douglas Benoit (John Hurt), accused of killing a prostitute with a claw hammer. Benoit specifically requests Weathers after observing his earlier courtroom triumphs. Utilizing innovative courtroom tactics that engage both judge and jury, Weathers strives for an acquittal to impress his firm. However, when he uncovers Benoit’s guilt through an indirect confession, Weathers confronts an ethical conflict. Prioritizing justice over potential damage to his career, he coerces Benoit into confessing during testimony despite risking disbarment.

Cast

• Judd Nelson as Robin 'Stormy' Weathers
• Elizabeth Perkins as Jo Ann
• John Hurt as Douglas Benoit
• Darren McGavin as Craig Duncan
• Dan Monahan as Larry
• David Alan Grier as Steve Hadley
• Nancy Marchand as Roberta Winnaker
• Allan Arbus as Phil Ames
• Edward Winter as Raymond Torkenson
• Richard Zobel as Matt Cowens
• Ray Walston as 1st Judge
• Robert Irvin Elliott as Scott Murray
• Beatrice Winde as 2nd Judge
• Art Hindle as Lt. Matt Sosha
• Priscilla Pointer as Mrs. Martha Williams

Production

This film represents the feature-length screenwriting debut of former Boston attorney David E. Kelley. Kelley submitted the screenplay to Indian Neck Productions, clients of his law practice, who acquired the option and enlisted director Bob Clark for script revisions. Impressed by Kelley’s work, producer Steven Bochco subsequently recruited him as a story editor for L.A. Law.

Box office

Upon its release on February 6, 1987, the movie grossed $9.5 million domestically.

Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 30% approval rating based on 23 critiques, highlighting Judd Nelson’s acting while criticizing the film’s comedic approach to legal drama.

Awards

Judd Nelson was nominated for a Razzie Award in the category of Worst Actor; however, the award ultimately went to Bill Cosby for his role in Leonard Part 6.