Corporate Villainy in DARK WATERS

Told with utter conviction and realism by director Todd Haynes (Carol, Far from Heaven), Dark Waters, a David Vs Goliath real life tale based on a New York Times magazine article, is a grim, compelling depiction of the true story of how one man stood up to a major corporate power. Think Erin Brockovich without Brockovich, and while this film is just as compelling with its real life narrative, it does miss a sense of humor relief of that film.

The story gets going in 1998 rural Ohio where a farmer approaches local corporate lawyer Rob Bilott (Mark Ruffalo) to help him and his dying cows. Bilott discovers evidence of a massive conspiracy by DuPont to cover up the pollution of a small town (that pulls him back to his local roots) and poisoning its people and animals. His detective work uncovers a corporate secret (with a fascinating, perverse documenting of the origins of a deadly product) that has enormous ramifications and jeopardizes not only his career but his family’s safety. The years go by, and the case takes a personal, emotional toll on the lawyer who faces formidable obstacles and overwhelming odds.

The strong cast includes Anne Hathaway as his wife and Tim Robbins as his boss, but Ruffalo carries the bulk of the film on his shoulders, and he shines. His character confronts his own fears and experiences guilt as he learns the truth. He is in effect our surrogate from beginning to end.

Dark Waters with its somber tone is for the serious minded with a subject matter that reverberates to this day. Presented as a scary lesson in corporate greed, with its postscript, it’s enough to make you toss out all your Teflon pans.

***1/2of **** stars