Based on a true story.
During the phone conversation in the radio booth, a confused Schlictmann asks Anne Anderson, "Is this Rikki?" Rikki Klieman is a real-life lawyer and former love interest of Schlictmann's in the true-to-life book. Since 1999, she's been married to Boston's former police chief William J. Bratton, who also headed the LAPD and the NYPD.
Multiple characters make subtle fun of Mr. Cheeseman's name, emphasizing CHEESE-man. James Gandolfini calls him Chessman after his deposition, subtly implying he is merely a pawn. This is reinforced later when Facher (Robert Duvall) refers to himself and Schlichtman (John Travolta) as Kings. Several shot set-ups also emphasize the chess-theme being played out in court.
The book (upon which the movie is based) is actually required reading for many first year law students in the United States. Hence, the movie, or portions thereof, is also shown for visual effects.
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