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Jack Bottomley
Media Correspondent
8:00 AM 29th March 2020
arts

Review: Dark Waters

 
These are scary times, very scary. So in a time of unease and uncertainty, the last thing many of us may want is a story with many of those very qualities but if we shy away from the horrors of the world, then the greedy get their way.

Many films have told stories of the little man fighting against a seemingly invincible machine, system or corporation, or have relayed tales of true life struggles. Dark Waters does both and despite comparisons to Erin Brockovich, this is far closer to a film like Spotlight, in how it tells a sickening true story and refrains from Hollywood thrill as it does so.

Based on Nathaniel Rich’s 2016 New York Times Magazine article "The Lawyer Who Became DuPont's Worst Nightmare", Dark Waters details the story of Robert Bilott (Mark Ruffalo), a corporate defence lawyer who is contacted unexpectedly by a farmer called Wilbur Tennant (Bill Camp), who is a friend and neighbour of Robert’s grandmother.

Wilbur asks for Robert’s help in uncovering the source of a huge number of suspicious deaths in his livestock, he claims this to be the result of a local chemical plant run by the DuPont corporation. Initially Robert is uncertain but as he looks into the story, he is shaken to the core by his findings and begins a battle for justice that will not only consume his career but his life.

Dark Waters may have been ridiculously snubbed during awards season but make no mistake about it, this is one of the year’s very best films. Director Todd Haynes' frightening true drama is a testament to morality and decency in a greedy and cold corporate controlled world. It shows just how hard it can be to do the right thing or fight the right fight, but also shows why that effort is not only worth it but essential.

This film has an activist ethos, as it presents a cruel cover-up and the extent powers that be will go to, not just to get their way, but make mountains of money in the process.

Mario Correa and Matthew Michael Carnahan’s script is refreshingly no frills, as it relays some often horrifying (and complex) facts of this case in an investigative fashion, and instead of altering the course of history for feel good purposes, it instead finds the victories from this fight that continues to rage on even now.

Haynes directs with intimacy, as the human (and indeed animal) lives take priority over any thrill, and this is often a fist clenching and intense viewing, one that angers, empowers and educates in equal measure. Reality is hard and justice is hard to come by but in seeing people fight for it, even when it does them no benefit (in fact it often does them the complete opposite), there is an inspiring fire in the belly of this film, one that rises to the surface in some key scenes.

Mark Ruffalo is pure understated brilliance, leading a film that fights the corner of the little man, even when the big man is waving money at them to buy their silence. He is passionate and moving, completely engrossing us in this character’s battle in the court room and out of it, as his family begin to feel the backlash of his war for the truth.

Anne Hathaway as his wife Sarah is a further human edge to the film, as she initially refuses to believe a truth so abhorrent before accepting, assisting and ultimately turning some tides for her husband’s all consuming battle.

Further strong support is offered by Tim Robbins as Robert’s friend/colleague/boss Tom Terp and Bill Pullman as the vocal and motivated trial lawyer Harry Deitzler.

Dark Waters is a hard hitting, facts showered and hauntingly powerful picture, that deserves to be seen and shared far and wide.

With this being a film about strong morals, getting important stories out into the public domain and helping people, I dedicate this review to my fellow Drystone Radio broadcaster and friend James Wilson, who passed away a few days ago. James was loved by all who were ever lucky enough to meet him and he was responsible for getting me my first real experience in this field after I graduated university. More importantly than that he was a great man and a good friend. I’ll miss you good sir. Thank you…thank you for everything.

15
Director: Todd Haynes
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins, Bill Pullman
Release Date: Out Now