There has been a long film technique to use objects to display a character’s psyche in cinema. It could be Laurence Olivers’ constant smoking in films or Orson Wells‘ eating pills in The Third Man. However, in the 21st century, we understand where characters are in their life through food. Characters in today’s films are constantly snacking, which is used to make them more relatable. And in the 2022 Netflix Original, Mickey Haller, aka The Lincoln Lawyer, snacks a lot. But for a different reason.

Why does The Lincoln Lawyer always eat?

Eating foods in films is something that has been long used in the film, made iconic by Brad Pitt and especially Robert Downey Jr. Downey even used to hide snacks on the sets of Marvel films just so he could eat. And while The Lincoln Lawyer too ate a lot, he did not need to hide anything.

Mickey’s constant eating isn’t just a quirk, according to showrunner Ted Humphrey; it’s a big part of who he is. Food plays a crucial role in the Michael Connelly novels on which The Lincoln Lawyer is based. And Humphrey felt it was vital to include snacks and eateries in the series.

“It’s striking how much attention to detail Michael pays to food — even the specific pork chops that [Mickey] orders at a Chinese restaurant,” says Humphrey says.

Ted says that the food part makes Mickey’s character come alive and makes him relatable to the people. He calls it a “really warm and inviting” aspect of the book.

DIVE DEEPER

Mickey’s obsession with food isn’t the only thing that draws people in. It’s also the type of stuff he eats — and keeps away from.

For example, in Episode 8, Mickey’s office manager and “second ex-wife,” Lorna (Becki Newton), brings him a quinoa salad with beets, referring to it as “brain food.” 

Mickey definitely does not believe he requires assistance.  “Yeah, no way,” Humphrey adds, “there’s a great shot from inside the trash where he dumps it.”  And the next thing we see is Mickey gulping down a huge burrito as he drives down the street.

Apart from his dietary habits, it is Manuel Garcia Rulfo‘s exceptional acting that makes the character of The Lincoln Lawyer more appealing to viewers. Even allowing the show to receive a new season.

Did you guys like all the idiosyncrasies that The Lincoln Lawyer had? Let us know in the comments.