Why the old Lincoln?? - The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) Discussion

Because it's an awesome car, what other reason do you need?

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[–] tatz32000 13 years ago

No offense, the reason needed is why a change from the book, in which the cars--which need to be reliable--are bought new? Is Haller supposed to be an Antique
Car Fan?? Or, are we supposed to think, for example, that Haller cant afford
new Lincolns?

Mike from Hawaii

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[–] robertfranz 13 years ago

It could have been a matter of pragmatism.

Notice how poor people in television shows always seem to have rambling, expansive homes?

It makes it easier to get the camera dolly through.

Something similar may be at work here.

Could be some aspect of access for interior shots, could be some other technical issue (change in material of some component makes it look weird on camera.)

Could be as mundane as someone realizing that the name/car association will be a big part of the film's gross, and ran different models of Towncars past a focus group and found some more visually sticky than others.

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[–] ColinInLa 13 years ago

Or just . . . . maybe . . . the film was based on a novel called "The Lincoln Lawyer."

--------------------
"Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana."

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[–] general_sug 13 years ago

Its not an antique you idiot. Its from the 1970s. And older cars are sometimes more reliable then new cars. Less things that can break.

And its much about how the car has been serviced and taken care of during the years.

And a mint condition 70s towncar can be more expensive then a new one...

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[–] guage420 13 years ago

Why call somebody an idiot? How insecure must one be? How many seemingly rhetorical questions can I ask before lowering the proverbial boom? (3)

"According to the Antique Automobile Club of America, a car has to be 25 years old, or older to be considered an antique car."

If hate were people, I'd be China!!

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[–] gayspiritwarrior 11 years ago

Nicely returned!

"The value of an idea has nothing to do with the honesty of the man expressing it."--Oscar Wilde

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[–] liscarkat (16469) 2 years ago

Calling someone an idiot has nothing to do with the caller's insecurity. It has to do with the caller thinking the other person is an idiot. Having pointed out that fact, I do agree that there was no reason here for anyone to be called an idiot.

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[–] tomsawyer66 12 years ago

Actually, it's a 1986 Lincoln Town car.

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[–] tabbycat 11 years ago

"not an antique"

Antiques have no strict definition.
Generally collectible items over 35 years old are considered antiques.

"Older cars are sometimes more reliable than new cars"

And sometimes man bites dog -- but that's not how you bet it.
Older cars as a group have nowhere near the reliability of modern cars, even originally.

"Less things"

Fewer things, friend. Fewer.

"You idiot"

[no comment necessary]

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[–] tabbycat 11 years ago

"not an antique"

Antiques have no strict definition.
Generally collectible items over 35 years old are considered antiques.
Early 1970's autos therefore qualify.

"Older cars are sometimes more reliable than new cars"

And sometimes man bites dog -- but that's not how you bet it.
Older cars as a group have nowhere near the reliability of modern cars, even originally.

"Less things"

Fewer things, friend. Fewer.

"You idiot"

[no comment necessary]

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[–] chimera-21 11 years ago

Actually it's 89, and there's nothing at all unusual about an older car being far more reliable than the computer-burdened tin cans produced today. The current Lincoln Town Car is probably an exception but there's nothing else from the Lincoln line that could even be used in the movie these days. Lincoln has always been the "poor man's Cadillac" but these days that's more true than ever.

Also, the novel was written around 2000(published early 2005) so the box Town Car would have been of average age at the time.

http://www.libertydwells.com

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[–] davedavidl 10 years ago

It is not a 1989 model.

1989 models had the narrower, thinner Lincoln star design hood ornament.

This one in the movie has the wider, fatter star design, which was on all models through 1987. So this one in the film is either a 1986 or 1987.

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[–] 11 years ago

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[–] 11 years ago

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[–] davedavidl 10 years ago

The Lincoln Town Car featured in the film is a 1986 or 1987 model.

(It has the third brakelight, mandated in 1986, and it has the larger, wider Lincoln star on the hood, which was changed for 1988.)

I think they made it the classic design because it would stand out in the film. A modern car would blend in as there are so many on the road, and having a 1980s design would be unique and make the car a character of its own.

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[–] the_la_baker 9 years ago

http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_384273-Lincoln-Town-Car-1986.html

Yup. 1986.

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[–] ccastine 13 years ago

it could be the the older lincoln makes him seem more "street gritty" which is kinda what he really is, a street lawyer.

first, they arent always trying to duplicate a book exactly. second, i think sometimes people think way too far into things in movies.

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[–] lottiestreeter2 12 years ago

When a book is a #1 bestseller, there is a large audience comprised of loyal readers who expect the character to be who he is in the book. Filmmakers know this, that is why they are paying a premium price for the film rights.

Is the Lincoln a character in the book? Apparently so.

The other posters are right...the Mickey Haller Michael Connelly created buys 3 new Town Cars at a time to get a "fleet discount". He keeps more than one on the road at one time. An important scene in the book is when the police impound and search the wrong car, the one without the gun in it.

With that said, I can see why the movie people went with a late '70s Lincoln...those huge beasts with the massive chrome grilles and hood ornaments are the ones car buffs think of when they hear the word "Lincoln"...not the more modest sedans of today which can scarcely be distinguished from their Buick counterparts. These classics from yesteryear are seen every day in Southern California, where the weather insures they will not rust or rot. Such a vehicle that has been garaged and lightly driven is considered a valuable antique.

The Mickey Haller the movie folks brought to the screen is quite a bit more "quirky" than the one from the novel. So, if he wants to drive a well-preserved classic, he can get away with it. It goes with the lil' Texas drawl.

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[–] sodapop78 10 years ago

No offense but "new" and "reliable" just don't go together. Unless you were joking of course. =p

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[–] brettrq-1 13 years ago

Old Lincoln TownCars are pimpin' rides! Smooth as silk suspensions, spacious interiors & all-around classy! My dad had owned a succession of them since the 70s. I used to drive him around some in his last one, which was the last year or so of the old design. The newer redesigned ones were not/are not much to cheer for...

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[–] postagerequired 13 years ago

I think the director made a great choice in choosing the older model Lincoln as opposed to a newer model which, others are saying differs from the book.
I think it showed another side to his personality. Although he was firm on his worth as an attorney, he was pragmatic in a way. For example, the old pistol and the not so fancy house all tie into the fact that despite putting a monetary price on his worth as an attorney he was really a simple man, doing a job he was good at. He made money but wasn't flashy IMO.
This was a really good movie.

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[–] aGuiltySoul 13 years ago

I like your perspective on Haller.

And not to burst your bubble but they make the point in the book that the house cost him over a million because of the bitchin' view...and he carries a heavy mortgage, which prevents him from being able to afford to remodel it. He also has a whole fleet of cars that he bought (at the fleet price of course) that he keeps in a storage garage to rotate when the mileage starts to creep up on one of them. And that gun was one of the few things he inherited from his father, that's why it's usually boxed up. It's a memento.

"I'd never ask you to trust me. It's the cry of a guilty soul."

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[–] zziiyy 13 years ago

Yes, in the book although Mickey was floating a lot financially, he was living the successful, professional Los Angelino lifestyle. He was not above the view, the car, the driver, the designer suit. But, he has strong convictions and sticks to his values. Perhaps they were afraid that without the insight into his thinking, the movie audience wouldn't get a clear picture that he's not the usual douchebag.

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[–] RVBUILDER 13 years ago

As I remember the book, Mick Haller bought several Town Cars when he was flush with money from a case. He would use one until it racked up a certain mileage and then switch to another one that was kept in storage. Could be the one shown in the movie was a later ride from the original group. If I had a crystal ball, I would have bought a half dozen '66 Mustangs back when they were just another old car. Same idea.

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[–] entertainme5 13 years ago

Lincolns pwns! I agree, its a classic! plus the car represented the lawyer in a way, sort of suave, smooth..unique..its a buisnessman car no ddoubt he has a great taste in old-school cars!

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[–] SpanishRicky 12 years ago

Old Lincoln TownCars are pimpin' rides! Smooth as silk suspensions, spacious interiors & all-around classy! My dad had owned a succession of them since the 70s. I used to drive him around some in his last one, which was the last year or so of the old design. The newer redesigned ones were not/are not much to cheer for...

*smiles*

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[–] exatera 13 years ago

How exactly is it awesome? It's really ugly and outdated.

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[–] demon-xp 13 years ago

Maybe it is a statement - old car, old school, old values winning into new reality.
To me, the choice of the car is right on the spot.

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[–] impala_v8 13 years ago

Just because its old doesn't mean its unreliable. If you knew something about cars as you say you do you would know that it all depends on the owner who took care of the car, plus there are plenty of old cars kept with low mileage that can be bought today. Lincolns are known for their reliability. Also some older cars are made better than new and visa versa. Even if all of this didn't count, it's still a good car, very comfortable, very smooth very classy looking. Also not all Lincolns were sold to limo company's as you said. You obviously don't know that much, no offense... sounds like a very generic opinion on Lincolns and cars in general.

Also in reference to the name of the car in the movie. I think more or less it meant that he is a lawyer that works out of his Lincoln.

Hope this helps

cheers

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[–] thewood 13 years ago

also compared with my ride of the moment
that big old lincoln was a late model ..
__________________
it frequently gets
too -weird- for me
RIP HST 1937..2005

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[–] tatz32000 13 years ago

HI ALL--

A bit slow in commenting, but thanks for the comments....I found the old
values/not a flashy guy comments very interesting, along with the idea that
there may have been a pragmatic issue such as focus groups or filming space.

The comments from you old car lovers, well, we could debate the mertis of
old vs new cars on an auto website, but let me note that things like Anti lock
brakes & electronic stability control make new cars far superior to old...and
new electronic fuel injection creates reliability with no more carb/stalling
problems. See you guys on a car site....

Thanks again for the thoughts here....Mike from Hawaii

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[–] chimera-21 13 years ago

Umm, no. things like anti lock and "stability control" are efforts to make incompetent drivers safer. For those who can actually drive, as opposed to "operate", a motor vehicle these things can actually be a pain in the ass. Personally I find anti lock in particular to be a frustrating distraction, though traction control ranks right up there. Oh, and what? Your carbs were never cleaned? Your FI never fails? Can we stick to some reality here?

Reliability wise, it's entirely a question of the car and type, not age or even miles. A good well maintained older car will set a higher standard than a cheap, poorly maintained new car. That said, why he'd have a poor man's Cadillac I dunno but some people do like the things.

Avatar(d): Pocahontas in Space

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[–] tatz32000 13 years ago

Well, chuckle, since you asked, Chimera, yes, my Electronic Fuel Injection
never fails,,,,,and I remember my parents' circa 1980's Lincolns and other carbd
cars were constantly stalling at stoplights, even when brand new....but, as I
said, see you on an auto website....

Mahalo (Thanks in Hawaiian) for chipping in with your thoughts.....for the
record, having read all the comments and thinking on it, I think the "gritty" lawyer comments are most probably the reason for the old car, along with the fact that the new Town Cars do look a lot like Mercurys and filmmkers wanted
even the non-car freaks out there to recognize a Lincoln....

Mike from Hawaii

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[–] jds870 12 years ago

The old Lincoln was bad-ass in the movie. New Lincolns look too flashy, like the Town Car, looks too much like he's riding around in the back of a limousine.

The old town car as you can tell in the movie is meticulously maintained but definitely a street lawyer's car.

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[–] esbensvendsen 13 years ago

Can't rule out the point about the antiques, and cars did seem to play a role in the story telling
- the guy in the Mustrang,
- the guy in the Maserati (and Range Rover)
- and obviously the guy in the Lincoln,
but I was thinking more in the line of;
- Lincoln Town Car,
- Abraham Lincoln,
- Honest Abe,
- the truth,
- not telling a lie...
Don't know, just an uncomplete reflecsion on the question.

-----
My list: http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=40920354

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[–] tatz32000 13 years ago

HI to Esbensvendsen....very interesting on the aspects of Honest Abe and the
truth....as reflected in the Lincoln....but I believe I read in an article om
Author Connelly that the story was inspired by an Attorney he meet who actually
did work out of the back seat of a new Town Car....still, I like your thoughts
on the Abe Lincon tie-in....

Mike from Hawaii

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[–] general_sug 13 years ago

Its propably in very good condition. And propably more reliable then an 98-11 Towncar will be when it reaches the same age.

ANd its from the 70s, so its not ancient... Sometimes you americans have strange ideas.

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[–] cleardark-692-29098 13 years ago

The Town Car from the movie is not from the 70's. There was no seperate "Town Car" in the 70's. There was however, a top-of-the line, upscale option for the Lincoln Continental (originally a plush interior option, it was later a trim option) called the "Town Car". The Town Car did not become a seperate model from the Continental until 1981. The Town Car in the movie is a first generation (1981-1989) Town Car and is most likely a 1985-1989 model, as in 1985 the Town Car went through a minor facelift and the changes made would reflect the model used in the movie.

That said, the idea of using a first gen Town Car was a great idea. Not only is the car mint, it's also classy and uncommon in movies these days. Lots of movies have late model Town Car's, very few have the older ones. Plus it's just an awesome car.

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[–] kassem5074 12 years ago

Oh thank you so much I wanted to smack everybody saying it was from the 70's

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[–] liscarkat (16469) 2 years ago

As an American, I've noticed that many of my fellow Americans regard as ancient anything that dates to before they were in high school. In fact, most of them aren't even aware of anything from before they were born. I don't know if people elsewhere share this odd point of view.

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[–] ArenaSkies 13 years ago

Ford came up with the idea that keeping the same interior of a car, but changing the exterior look of it would make that previous car look old and outdated to people so they would buy a new one. But the only difference is the look of the car. The rest is the same.

I'm not saying a 2011 Lincoln has the same motor as one in the 70s, but I bet the motor is just as fine. People are used to the idea that if a newer design comes out, it's a better car. That is not necessarily true.

Certainty of death, small chance of success... What are we waiting for? - Gimli

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[–] alejandro240877 13 years ago

he had his dads gun....an antique. having a "older" car gave him a higher status...not just the usual lawyer!!!!!if that makes sense. my point of view. nothing else.

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[–] blurayrankingsdotcom 13 years ago

It's probably as simple as whoever made the decision liked the way that one look despite its age. I didn't read the book, but the film didn't seem to portray Mick as quite rich enough to afford a new Lincoln every year. Most of his money probably went to paying for the crib with the amazing view.

New Release Reviews!: blurayrankings.com

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[–] super16g 13 years ago

Because it looked cool. That car if you did not notice was mint. They restored it to look brand new for that film. The current Town car is everywhere they are taxis and limos and are all over the place. Using an older body made it and him stand out mode for this movie. Also, maybe his clients felt like he was more of a street lawyer and on their side and on their level with him in a nice old car.

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[–] phillynickdollaz 13 years ago

thats an O.G car the only other choice for a car that wouldve kept his O.G status up wouldve been a Cadilac lol it goes along with that line that earl told him "you wouldve been good on the streets boss"

Kill them all, Let God sort em out

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[–] davidwile 13 years ago

Hey folks,

Why the old Lincoln? Because it looks like a really classic car that exudes smooth success as well as class. It has a very distinctive "look and feel" that I do not think you have in today's cars. So many of today's cars have the same shape even though they have different manufacturer badges on their trunks.

As far as Haller's pistol goes, it was not just some old junk pistol. It was a Colt Woodsman (either a Model 1 or Model 2) .22 caliber target pistol that was made prior to 1956. The Colt Woodsman is a very accurate target pistol of very high quality that was frequently the choice of mob folks to kill their enemies with a .22 caliber bullet to the head. A .22 caliber pistol is not loud compared to a .38 caliber centerfire round, and the addition of a silencer really made the Colt Woodsman a very effective as well as quiet killing machine.

In the case of Haller's Colt Woodsman pistol, it was a present given to his lawyer father for defending a mob gunman in the 1950s for a murder wherein that particular gun was the murder weapon. The Colt Woodsman was a presentation target pistol and was originally sold in a wooden case, and that is what Haller kept his pistol in when Roulet stole it from his house.

That Lincoln looked good.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile

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[–] hustlezhard 13 years ago

The same reason he had the old .22 pistol, probably belonged to his dad.

Petey Greene: "Wake up, goddammit!"

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[–] Psychedelics8 13 years ago

He stated quite clearly in the beginning of the movie that he perceives his line of work something comparable to "the streets", therefor he needs the muscle/favour doing driver and the lincoln

also, its a cool name for a movie. bitch

If at first you don't succeed, call it version 1.0

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[–] SpanishRicky 12 years ago

Love the old Lincoln. My dad used to own the same model and year. One of the reasons I went to see this in the first place.

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[–] Prismark10 12 years ago

The book may had him driving around in a Lincoln but in the movie it was almost an afterthought!

Its that man again!!

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