Dark Waters: A Legal Thriller That Exposes Corporate Greed
In 1998, Ohio, corporate defense attorney Robert Bilott (Mark Ruffalo) is confronted by two irate farmers who barge into his office with a box filled with disturbing evidence. They claim that DuPont, one of the nation’s largest chemical companies, has been operating a toxic waste dump near their Parkersburg farm, causing widespread devastation. Reluctantly, Bilott visits the area and witnesses a horrifying scene: dead cows littering the landscape, water seemingly poisoned by chemicals, and haunting flashbacks of local children with blackened teeth. The lawyer, initially aligned with corporations, embarks on a personal investigation, preparing to take on DuPont.
Todd Haynes’s talent proves to be a perfect fit for this legal drama, which delves into the intricacies of a lengthy and often tedious legal battle against a corporate giant. Rather than getting bogged down in complex schemes and endless paperwork, as seen in films like “Spotlight,” Haynes strikes a balance between telling the story of an ordinary man and recreating real events that might be better suited for the pages of The New York Times Magazine. His muted, oppressive color palette and focus on relatable characters create a more intimate and emotionally resonant experience.
The Transformation of an Ordinary Man
Haynes adds depth to Mark Ruffalo’s portrayal of a seemingly standard character – the honest, principled man fighting for what’s right. Bilott’s initial motivation for helping the farmers stems from their connection to his grandmother in Parkersburg. Even after witnessing the shocking evidence, he initially seeks to justify the company’s actions, attempting to dismiss the situation as an isolated incident rather than a systemic problem. While the film focuses on the pursuit of justice, it also explores Bilott’s personal journey. Shifting between 1998 and 2015, the film captures the character’s growing obsession and his increasing detachment from his family.
The Chilling Reality of Corporate Negligence
As a thriller, “Dark Waters” effectively establishes tension by highlighting the core issue: neither the government nor corporations prioritize human safety, leaving individuals to fend for themselves. However, Haynes doesn’t rely solely on these unsettling ideas or shock value, such as images of dead cows and sick children. The film’s true horror lies in the transformation of an ordinary lawyer and naive family man, who initially trusts in the benevolence of corporate leaders, into a paranoid individual after witnessing the true face of business and industry. Bilott becomes consumed by fear, testing his newborn child for illnesses, discarding all non-stick cookware due to potential cancer risks, and anxiously starting his car after each legal battle with DuPont, fearing a potential bomb.
A Talented Film Constrained by Genre Conventions
While “Dark Waters” is undoubtedly a well-crafted film, it may not fully reach its potential due to the constraints of the genre. The need to adhere to factual accuracy and the constant interruptions of legal proceedings and formal arguments limit its ability to truly surprise. Nevertheless, “Dark Waters” is a compelling film that may leave you questioning the safety of everyday products in your own home.