AUGUST 2024:
A Mother and a Fighter…
Erin Brockovich, directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Susannah Grant, is a compelling American biographical legal drama film released in 2000. The film stars Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich, a tenacious legal assistant who brings a groundbreaking class action lawsuit against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for their role in contaminating the groundwater in Hinkley, California. This critique will delve into the film’s narrative structure, character portrayal, thematic elements, and its historical and legal accuracy, particularly focusing on the true story of the Hinkley groundwater contamination incident and the resulting legal battle.
Narrative Structure and Direction
Steven Soderbergh, known for his eclectic filmography, delivers a gripping and nuanced portrayal of Erin Brockovich’s journey. The narrative structure of the film is linear, following Brockovich from her initial involvement in the case to the eventual courtroom triumph. Soderbergh’s direction ensures a balance between the personal struggles of the protagonist and the broader legal and environmental issues at stake. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for character development and the gradual unfolding of the complex legal battle.
Character Portrayal and Performances
Julia Roberts’ portrayal of Erin Brockovich is one of the standout performances of her career. Roberts brings a raw intensity and authenticity to the role, capturing Brockovich’s unyielding determination, sharp wit, and compassionate nature. The supporting cast, including Albert Finney as Ed Masry, Brockovich’s employer and mentor, and Aaron Eckhart as George, Brockovich’s neighbor and love interest, provide strong performances that complement Roberts’ central role.
Thematic Elements
At its core, Erin Brockovich explores themes of justice, perseverance, and the power of the individual against corporate negligence. The film highlights the impact of environmental pollution on small communities and the importance of holding corporations accountable for their actions. Through Brockovich’s character, the film also emphasizes themes of empowerment, particularly for women and single mothers, showcasing how determination and resilience can lead to significant societal change.
Historical and Legal Accuracy
The film’s depiction of the Hinkley groundwater contamination incident and the subsequent legal case is largely accurate, although certain elements are dramatized for cinematic effect. The true story of Erin Brockovich and her role in the legal battle against PG&E is a remarkable example of grassroots activism leading to a significant legal victory.
The Hinkley Groundwater Contamination Incident
The Hinkley groundwater contamination incident involved the release of chromium 6, or hexavalent chromium, a toxic and carcinogenic substance, into the groundwater through PG&E dumping about 370 million gallons (1,400 million litres) of chromium-tainted wastewater into unlined wastewater. This contamination occurred from 1952 to 1966 and was discovered in 1987. Hexavalent chromium was used by PG&E to prevent corrosion in the cooling towers of a natural gas compressor station in Hinkley. The contaminated water was then discharged into unlined ponds, leading to the leaching of the chemical into the groundwater around the town of Hinkley, California, located in the Mojave Desert about 120 miles north-northeast of Los Angeles.
Hexavalent-chromium compounds are genotoxic carcinogens. Residents of Hinkley began experiencing a range of health issues, including cancers, respiratory problems, and reproductive disorders. Despite initial denials and obfuscations by PG&E, internal documents and reports eventually revealed the extent of the contamination and the company’s knowledge of the issue. In 1993, legal clerk Erin Brockovich began an investigation into the health impacts of the contamination.
Class Action Lawsuit
A class action lawsuit is a legal mechanism that allows a large group of people who have suffered similar harm or have a common interest to sue a defendant as a collective group. This type of lawsuit is particularly effective in cases involving widespread harm caused by corporations, as it consolidates numerous individual claims into a single, cohesive case.
In the case of the Hinkley groundwater contamination, the residents of Hinkley filed a class action lawsuit against PG&E, alleging that the company had knowingly contaminated their water supply with hexavalent chromium and failed to disclose the associated health risks. The lawsuit was spearheaded by Erin Brockovich, a legal assistant at the law firm of Masry & Vititoe, who played a crucial role in gathering evidence and building the case.
Legal Proceedings and Settlement
The legal proceedings against PG&E were complex and protracted, involving extensive investigation, scientific analysis, and negotiation. Erin Brockovich’s relentless efforts to gather testimonies and evidence from affected residents were instrumental in building a strong case against the corporation. The evidence presented included internal PG&E documents, scientific studies on the health effects of hexavalent chromium, and testimonies from medical experts and affected residents.
In 1996, the case was settled for $333 million, the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in U.S. history at the time. The settlement provided compensation to over 600 Hinkley residents, covering medical expenses, property devaluation, and other damages. It also included provisions for ongoing monitoring and cleanup of the contaminated site.
Cinematic Techniques
Soderbergh employs a range of cinematic techniques to enhance the storytelling and emotional impact of the film. The use of natural lighting and handheld camera work lends a sense of realism and immediacy to the scenes, particularly in the depictions of Hinkley and its residents. The film’s score, composed by Thomas Newman, complements the narrative with its evocative and understated melodies, adding to the emotional resonance of the story.
Erin Brockovich is a powerful and inspiring film that not only entertains but also educates its audience about the importance of environmental justice and corporate accountability. Julia Roberts’ outstanding performance, combined with Steven Soderbergh’s skilled direction and Susannah Grant’s compelling screenplay, creates a memorable cinematic experience. The film’s accurate portrayal of the Hinkley groundwater contamination incident and the resulting class action lawsuit serves as a testament to the impact that determined individuals can have in the face of corporate wrongdoing.
Erin Brockovich is available now with a subscription to Hulu…