The difficulty in implementing change, such as with the climate, is that most individuals understand the problem and are probably willing to take action. However, the problem is when these individuals are part of a large organization, that personal willingness may be different. The culture of a company, personal interests (keeping a job to take care of your family) and various other factors can lead to decisions being made that can make a huge amount of money for the company, but with a negative effect on society. The past has proven this time and time again, from economic crisis to wars. However, is it possible to change that or at least to make people think? Greta Thunberg was able to show that last year. In Dark Waters it becomes clear how difficult this can be.
Rob Bilott (Mark Ruffalo) is a lawyer at a large firm that is active in the business market. He is successful and has managed to become partner. When an acquaintance of his grandmother approaches him with dozens of tapes, he initially wants to dismiss him. However, when he gets more information and sees what chemical pollution does to nature, animals and people in an area, he decides to take action and sue the company. It is the start of a long battle against one of the most powerful chemical companies in America.
Dark Waters is a typical genre film that actually has few surprises in store but is well put together. The acting is fine and Ruffalo plays his character, who is obsessed with finding out the truth, even if it is at the expense of his family or career, excellent. A film that cannot be criticized, but where you already know exactly what will happen. Since the story is true, that makes sense, but it is not a title that you’ll rewatch.
[score7]
I was hoping to see this mainly because it was directed by Todd Haynes whose films I’m often very fond of though I’m aware that this is more of a commercial film than his usual art-house stuff.
Yeah, if you have seen one of these type of movies, this doesn’t hold any surprises. It is however a story worth telling.