Bravo "Brokovich"
"Erin Brokovich" is the kind of terrific storytelling that does two things. First, it renews my faith in the good neighbor. These are the unsung heroes that toil endlessly on behalf of others. Their payment comes from the personal satisfaction of righting a previous wrong. They buck the system, overcome daunting obstacles, and move forward with unbridled determination in order to see that justice is served. But "Erin Brokovich" also renews my faith in Hollywood's ability to make a nice old-fashioned film. Its subject is grounded in the real world and presents a feel-good story that anyone can appreciate. I salute people like Erin Brokovich, and I salute the filmmakers for having the wherewithal to bring her story to the big screen. Based on the real life story of Erin Brokovich, this movie focuses on her tribulations as a struggling single mom, and later, her personal crusade in which she takes on a large utilities company that she suspects of releasing toxic pollutants.
Life has truly dealt Erin, a former beauty queen, an endless series of disappointments. She has almost as many ex-husbands as she does children. With only a high school diploma, she lacks the professional business and communications skills to get a job. She can't even win an accident claim in which she was clearly not at fault. With the bills starting to pile up, she convinces Ed Masry (Albert Finney), the lawyer that bungled her aforementioned accident claim, to let her take on a low-paying filing position.
Her reserved office mates, however, don't appreciate her saucy and straight shooting personality. She dresses in an equally saucy manner, and as a result, her relationship with the others is charged. Never afraid to speak her mind, her audacity presents a serious challenge to the stodgy Masry. "Maybe you should rethink your manner of dress," he offers. Erin shoots back, "Maybe you should rethink your ties." However, the one great asset that she possesses is her empathy towards their clients. She feels their pain, understands their needs, and embodies a rare compassion. "I hate lawyers; I just work for them," she says to those who are wary of her intentions. Additionally, she's smart, resourceful, and isn't afraid to get her hands dirty.
When she does a little extra research into a land deal, she discovers that the activities of a nearby utilities plant may be responsible for the failing health of hundreds of local residents. Erin is devastated to learn that the long-term effects have had horrific results, from nosebleeds to cancer. She is convinced that they should sue the utilities giant on behalf of all of those who have suffered. But Masry, now in his 60s and comfortable with his small practice, is naturally concerned about engaging in such a case. "We're not just David going against Goliath, says the flustered lawyer. "We're going against Goliath and his whole family."
Through Erin's hard work and devotion, there is significant emotional payoff. It's quite an accomplishment for Erin to achieve what she does given her situation and limited resources. It's also quite an accomplishment for Julia Roberts to capture the heart, courage, and fears of Erin's crusade. Showcasing her dramatic talent and her wonderful sense of comic timing, this is Roberts' richest role to date and perhaps the richest female performance since Hillary Swank in "Boys Don't Cry". Finney is also terrifically likable as a lawyer that tries to counter Erin's zeal with conventionality and wisdom. I also credit the filmmakers for not succumbing to Hollywood-esque plots. In a dumber version, there probably would have been a contrived, life-threatening situation as Erin uncovered more damaging evidence against the utilities. And, I'm glad that the film doesn't go the route of an extended courtroom sequence. The movie smartly stays focused on Erin's pain, passion and personal ascension.
Grade: B+
S: 1 L: 2 V: 0
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