DARK WATERS

This film by Todd Haynes is based on real events concerning a long running legal battle with DuPont.

Mark Ruffalo stars as a corporate lawyer Robert Bilott who reluctantly gets dragged into representing a farmer from his hometown whose cattle are dying in large numbers and in mysterious ways.

Superficially it starts off as though this is simply going to be Erin Brockovich Redux.

But whereas ‘Erin Brockovich’ is ultimately a feel-good story ‘Dark Waters’ is much less so.

The main reason is that Erin Brockovich’s story is one of personal triumph, given her lack of legal training, whilst in contrast the DuPont case, which runs for many years, takes a heavy toll of both Bilott’s health and of his finances, putting his marriage under great strain.

Haynes could of course chosen to focus on the legal successes of Bilott rather than the reality of what it is like to single-handedly take on a ruthless corporate behemoth. 

This makes for a less commercially attractive film maybe but also a more truthful one about corporate power.

Ruffalo of course turns in a fine performance (when does he not?).  It was nice to see Tim Robbins in a supporting role as Bilott’s boss.  Anne Hathaway is somewhat wasted as Bilott’s wife until a very effective scene with Robbins towards the end.

RATING: ✓ If You've Nothing Better To Do