The best move this courtroom drama does is stay out of the courtroom for most of its running time. The final court proceeding doesn't even make an appearance. Director Steven Soderbergh (SEX, LIES & VIDEOTAPE) and writer Susannah Grant (IN HER SHOES) find a way to have the revelatory happy ending that is a staple of this kind of film without a judge ruling innocent or guilty and a courtroom full of people jumping to their feet. These moves make the story about the investigation and not the theatrics. It gives it heart.
The film takes its title from its central character, Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts, MYSTIC PIZZA), a poor single mother who provokes with her blunt statements and skimpy clothing. After a car accident, she hires lawyer Ed Masry (Albert Finney, TOM JONES) to represent her. Following the court case (one of only two courtroom scenes), Brockovich pressures her way into a job at Masry's firm. She is assigned a real estate case, which includes medical records. Wondering why the two are connected, she looks into the case more and discovers that in Hinkley, California PG&E have been contaminating the groundwater with chromium 6, which is causing the residents to have numerous and varying health problems. Turns out, the power company has been covering up the problem and Brockovich makes it her mission to make them pay.
In her Oscar winning performance, Roberts gave her best performance to date. Her determination and piss and vinegar attitude makes her endearing. However, she is made even better working off the subtle performance of co-star Finney, who deserved his Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. Their fights and rapport is delightfully entertaining. Adding the personal side to the story, Aaron Eckhart (IN THE COMPANY OF MEN) plays George, Erin's Harley driving boyfriend who helps watch her three kids as she works long hours on the case. Grant's script gives the Brockovich character great depth. In one line, she allows Roberts to speak volumes about the character. Her struggle to get a leg up then balance her newfound mission at work with her family makes the character the central focus of the story and not just the true-life tragedy. Viewers should also look for the real Brockovich as a waitress.
There is something simply dramatic about court cases, making them an easy basis for films. The courtroom drama is a popular sub-genre. What makes one stand out are the details, especially when it comes to characters. The tale of a corporate cover-up is intriguing, but it’s the personality and passion of Roberts' Brockovich that makes this film so captivating. Now I will admit that Grant's script is at times too cute and some lines come off as movie poster quotes instead of real dialogue. However, this is so entertaining and the performers are so good that you truly understand what makes a great crowd pleaser.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
