DECEMBER 2024:
A Civil Action by Jonathan Harr…
In the realm of nonfiction, few works achieve the delicate balance of being both rigorously detailed and profoundly human. Jonathan Harr’s A Civil Action, published in 1995, is one such masterpiece. At its core, the book chronicles a harrowing legal battle over environmental pollution in Woburn, Massachusetts, in the 1980s. However, it transcends the confines of courtroom drama to offer a scathing critique of the American legal system, a searing exploration of corporate negligence, and a deeply empathetic portrait of the individuals whose lives were irrevocably altered by a tragedy.
![Harr lives and works in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he has taught nonfiction writing at Smith College. In 2008 he was writer-in-residence at the University of Chicago.[3] He is a former staff writer at New England Monthly and has written for The New Yorker and The New York Times Magazine.[4] Harr spent approximately seven and a half years researching and writing A Civil Action,[5] which was published in 1995, and subsequently nominated for a National Book Award, and awarded the National Book Critics Circle Award. John Travolta and Robert Duvall starred in the film of the same name, and Robert Redford was on the production team. Harr later wrote The Lost Painting: The Quest for a Caravaggio Masterpiece in 2005, which became a best seller. The New York Times named it one of the ten best books of 2005.](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Jonathan-Harr.webp?resize=184%2C232&ssl=1)
The story pivots around a case involving industrial solvent contamination of a local aquifer, which allegedly led to a cluster of leukemia cases and other severe health issues among the residents of Woburn. This legal saga, Anne Anderson, et al., v. Cryovac, Inc., et al., not only exposed the devastating consequences of environmental disregard but also laid bare the challenges of pursuing justice against powerful corporations.
![The residents of Woburn, Massachusetts sued Beatrice Foods, the operator of a tannery; Cryovac, a subsidiary of W. R. Grace and Company; and UniFirst, a laundry service, for dumping chemicals that contaminated nearby groundwater. The occurrence of a cancer cluster and other negative effects on health led to revelations of water polluted primarily with trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene. The first trial included contentious disputes over "splitting" the trial into separate liability and damages phases.The Court decided to let the jury decide first whether there was enough evidence to hold the defendants liable for the water contamination, and which defendants would be held responsible for any proven damages to the plaintiffs as a result of the contamination. This is called bifurcating the trial. If any of the defendants were determined by the jury to not be liable, then they would be dismissed from the second part of the trial to determine damages. W.R. Grace was found liable, and Beatrice was found not liable. Judge Walter Jay Skinner granted a motion for a mistrial put by W. R. Grace. Woburn residents then appealed that motion, along with Beatrice's not liable verdict. The Court of Appeal ordered a new trial. The district court then found that a discovery error made by Beatrice impaired the plaintiffs' preparation process, but recommended that its earlier denial of motion for relief from judgment be sustained.[clarification needed] On appeal, the circuit court judge held that: first, the district court did not abuse its discretion by its determination regarding pretrial discovery, namely, the district court had determined that the operator's failure to disclose a report during pretrial discovery did not warrant relief from judgment.[clarification needed] Second, the judge held that the district court did not abuse its discretion when it determined that the operator's nondisclosure of a report was roughly equivalent to residents' improper continuation of prosecution of their claim, and thus that monetary sanctions should not be imposed upon either party. Finally, the judge found that the operator's nondisclosure of report did not constitute “fraud on the court” which would trigger entry of default. On 22 September 1986, W.R. Grace settled with the plaintiffs for an undisclosed amount of money. However, many sources report that it was around $8 million (equivalent to roughly $22 million in 2023).](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Anderson-v.-Cryovac.jpg?resize=525%2C668&ssl=1)
Harr’s narrative focuses on the efforts of Jan Schlichtmann, a charismatic but deeply flawed personal injury lawyer, who takes on the case with an almost messianic zeal. As the story unfolds, Schlichtmann’s journey becomes a cautionary tale about the costs—financial, emotional, and ethical—of seeking justice in an imperfect system.
The book’s release was met with critical acclaim, earning it the 1996 National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction. It also became a touchstone for discussions about environmental law, corporate accountability, and the human stories behind landmark legal cases.
![The National Book Critics Circle Awards are a set of annual American literary awards by the National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) to promote "the finest books and reviews published in English".[1] The first NBCC awards were announced and presented January 16, 1976.[2] Six awards are presented annually to books published in the U.S. during the preceding calendar year, in six categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Memoir/Autobiography, Biography, and Criticism. Four of them span the entire NBCC award history; Memoir/Autobiography and Biography were recognized by one "Autobiography/Biography" award for publication years 1983 to 2004, then replaced by two awards. Beginning in 2014, the NBCC also presents a special "first book" award across all six categories, named the John Leonard Award in honor of literary critic and NBCC founding member John Leonard, who died in 2008.[3] Books previously published in English are not eligible, such as re-issues and paperback editions. Nor does the NBC Circle consider "cookbooks, self help books (including inspirational literature), reference books, picture books or children's books". They do consider "translations, short story and essay collections, self published books, and any titles that fall under the general categories".[4] The judges are the volunteer directors of the NBCC who are 24 members serving rotating three-year terms, with eight elected annually by the voting members,[5] namely "professional book review editors and book reviewers".[6] Winners of the awards are announced each year at the NBCC awards ceremony in conjunction with the yearly membership meeting, which takes place in March.](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/National-Book-Critics-Circle-Award.png?resize=525%2C263&ssl=1)
The popularity of A Civil Action led to its adaptation into a 1998 film directed by Steven Zaillian, starring John Travolta as Schlichtmann and Robert Duvall as the shrewd defense attorney Jerome Facher. While the film captured the essence of the case, it inevitably simplified some of the book’s more intricate themes, focusing instead on the courtroom drama. Comparing the two versions offers a fascinating lens through which to examine the storytelling power of different mediums.
This review delves deeply into Harr’s narrative, analyzing its themes, structure, and impact. It also compares the book to its film adaptation, evaluating how each medium approaches this complex story. Together, they illuminate a critical chapter in the ongoing struggle for environmental justice.
Summary of the Book
Jonathan Harr’s A Civil Action is both a meticulously researched legal chronicle and a gripping human drama. The book begins with a prologue that introduces Anne Anderson, a mother whose young son is diagnosed with leukemia in Woburn, Massachusetts. Anderson soon discovers a disturbing pattern: other families in her neighborhood are experiencing similar tragedies. This cluster of leukemia cases, disproportionately affecting children, raises suspicions about the quality of the town’s water supply.
The Plaintiffs’ Struggle
Harr paints a vivid portrait of the plaintiffs, a group of working-class families who have suffered unimaginable losses. Anne Anderson emerges as the driving force behind the lawsuit, her grief and determination inspiring others to join her in seeking answers. The families suspect that industrial operations by two major corporations, W.R. Grace and Beatrice Foods, are responsible for contaminating the aquifer with trichloroethylene (TCE), a toxic solvent.
![W. R. Grace and Co. is an American chemical business based in Columbia, Maryland. It produces specialty chemicals and specialty materials in two divisions: Grace Catalysts Technologies, which makes polyethylene and polypropylene catalysts and related products and technologies used in petrochemical, refining, and other chemical manufacturing applications, and Grace Materials and Chemicals, which makes specialty materials, including silica-based and silica-alumina-based materials, which are used in commercial products such as sunscreen[2] and in chemical process applications.[1] For much of its early history, Grace's main business was in South America, in maritime shipping, railroads, agriculture, and silver mining, with 30,000 employees in Peru. In the 1950s, Grace began to diversify and grew into a Fortune 100 worldwide conglomerate. After emerging from a prolonged bankruptcy period of 12 years in 2014, the company spun off its other major operating divisions. In 2015, Grace separated into two independent public companies. Its Catalysts and Material Technologies business segments remained in Grace, and what would later become GCP Applied Technologies Inc. held its Construction Products and Darex Packaging Technologies businesses. In September 2021, Standard Industries acquired Grace (the Catalysts and Material Technologies business segments).](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/W.R-Grace-and-COmpany.png?ssl=1)
![Beatrice Foods Company was a major American food conglomerate founded in 1894.[1][2] One of the best-known food processing companies in the U.S., Beatrice owned many well-known brands such as Tropicana, Krispy Kreme, Jolly Rancher, Orville Redenbacher's, Swiss Miss, Peter Pan, Avis, Milk Duds, Samsonite, Playtex, La Choy and Dannon.[3][4] In 1987, its international food operations were sold to Reginald Lewis, a corporate attorney, creating TLC Beatrice International, after which the majority of its domestic (U.S.) brands and assets were acquired by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts,[5] with the bulk of its holdings sold off. By 1990, the remaining operations were ultimately acquired by ConAgra Foods.](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Beatrice-FOods.jpg?ssl=1)
![Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a halocarbon with the formula C2HCl3, commonly used as an industrial metal degreasing solvent. It is a clear, colourless, non-flammable, volatile liquid with a chloroform-like pleasant mild smell[3] and sweet taste.[9] Its IUPAC name is trichloroethene. Trichloroethylene has been sold under a variety of trade names. Industrial abbreviations include TCE, trichlor, Trike, Tricky and tri. Under the trade names Trimar and Trilene, it was used as a volatile anesthetic and as an inhaled obstetrical analgesic. It should not be confused with the similar 1,1,1-trichloroethane, which was commonly known as chlorothene.](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Trichloroethylene-1024x1024.jpg?ssl=1)
However, turning suspicion into legal action proves daunting. The families face significant barriers, including a lack of resources, limited scientific evidence, and the daunting prospect of taking on powerful corporations with vast legal teams at their disposal.
Jan Schlichtmann’s Entry
Enter Jan Schlichtmann, a flamboyant and ambitious personal injury lawyer from Boston. Initially reluctant to take on the case, Schlichtmann becomes captivated by its moral stakes and potential for a significant financial settlement. Harr traces Schlichtmann’s evolution from a calculating attorney to a man consumed by the pursuit of justice, often at the expense of his own well-being.
Schlichtmann’s firm invests millions of dollars and countless hours into the case, hiring experts to trace the contamination and its effects. Despite their efforts, the legal battle proves to be an uphill struggle. The case hinges on proving causation—a complex scientific and legal challenge that requires connecting the TCE contamination to the leukemia cluster with irrefutable evidence.
The Defense’s Strategy
On the other side, Harr introduces Jerome Facher, a veteran attorney representing Beatrice Foods. Facher is a master of courtroom tactics, using procedural maneuvers to stall and weaken the plaintiffs’ case. His strategy reflects the broader theme of how corporations leverage the legal system to their advantage, often outlasting and outspending their opponents.
Harr also details the role of W.R. Grace’s legal team, led by William Cheeseman, whose polished and clinical approach contrasts with Facher’s folksy demeanor. Together, these defense teams represent the impersonal machinery of corporate legal defense, prioritizing financial interests over accountability.
The Trial and Its Aftermath
The trial, held in the U.S. District Court in Boston, becomes the centerpiece of the book. Harr masterfully recreates the courtroom drama, capturing the tension, strategies, and emotional stakes. Despite Schlichtmann’s passionate advocacy, the case does not unfold as the plaintiffs hope. Judge Walter J. Skinner’s rulings limit the scope of the trial, and the jury’s findings absolve Beatrice Foods of liability while holding W.R. Grace partially responsible.
The plaintiffs eventually settle with W.R. Grace for a modest sum, far less than Schlichtmann had anticipated. The settlement fails to provide the families with a sense of justice, and Schlichtmann’s firm is left bankrupt. Harr concludes the book with a sobering reflection on the case’s legacy, emphasizing the limitations of the legal system in addressing complex environmental and social issues.
Themes and Analysis
Jonathan Harr’s A Civil Action is as much a meditation on systemic flaws and human perseverance as it is a detailed account of a legal case. Harr deftly weaves several overarching themes into the narrative, providing readers with insights into the broader implications of environmental justice, corporate accountability, and the human toll of litigation.
Environmental Justice and Systemic Inequality
At its heart, A Civil Action is an indictment of the systemic barriers faced by ordinary citizens in seeking justice for environmental wrongs. The plaintiffs in Woburn, many of whom come from working-class backgrounds, are ill-equipped to challenge the financial and legal might of corporations like Beatrice Foods and W.R. Grace.
The book highlights the disparity in resources between the plaintiffs and the defendants. While Anne Anderson and her neighbors struggle to understand the complex science behind the contamination, the corporations have access to vast legal teams, expert witnesses, and the financial means to prolong litigation indefinitely. Harr captures this imbalance poignantly, showing how systemic inequality undermines the very idea of justice.
The theme resonates beyond the Woburn case, shedding light on broader environmental issues, particularly the disproportionate impact of industrial pollution on marginalized communities. Harr subtly asks readers to consider who bears the brunt of environmental harm and who has the power to seek redress.
The Complexity and Imperfection of the Legal System
Harr provides a nuanced critique of the American legal system, portraying it as both a potential avenue for justice and a labyrinth of procedural hurdles. Through Schlichtmann’s journey, the book explores the challenges of proving causation in environmental cases, where the science is often inconclusive, and the burden of proof falls heavily on the plaintiffs.
The book underscores the adversarial nature of civil litigation, where winning often takes precedence over uncovering the truth. Jerome Facher’s mastery of procedural tactics exemplifies how the system can be manipulated to serve the interests of the powerful. Yet Harr also acknowledges the dedication of individuals like Schlichtmann, whose idealism and determination offer a glimmer of hope within an imperfect system.
The Human Cost of Litigation
One of Harr’s most compelling achievements is his depiction of the personal toll the case takes on everyone involved. For the plaintiffs, the legal battle is a means of seeking closure for their grief, but the prolonged litigation exacerbates their pain, offering little solace. Anne Anderson, who begins as a determined advocate for her community, becomes disillusioned as the case drags on, a poignant reminder of the emotional toll of seeking justice.
For Schlichtmann, the case is transformative, pushing him to the brink of financial and emotional ruin. Harr portrays him as a deeply flawed yet sympathetic figure, whose relentless pursuit of justice blinds him to the personal and professional costs. The book’s portrayal of Schlichtmann’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the sacrifices involved in fighting for a righteous cause.
Corporate Accountability and Moral Ambiguity
The actions of Beatrice Foods and W.R. Grace reflect the moral ambiguity inherent in corporate decision-making. While the book clearly implicates the companies in the Woburn contamination, Harr avoids caricaturing the individuals involved. Figures like Jerome Facher and William Cheeseman are portrayed as professionals doing their jobs, raising questions about where responsibility lies within large, impersonal institutions.
![Beatrice Foods Company was a major American food conglomerate founded in 1894.[1][2] One of the best-known food processing companies in the U.S., Beatrice owned many well-known brands such as Tropicana, Krispy Kreme, Jolly Rancher, Orville Redenbacher's, Swiss Miss, Peter Pan, Avis, Milk Duds, Samsonite, Playtex, La Choy and Dannon.[3][4] In 1987, its international food operations were sold to Reginald Lewis, a corporate attorney, creating TLC Beatrice International, after which the majority of its domestic (U.S.) brands and assets were acquired by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts,[5] with the bulk of its holdings sold off. By 1990, the remaining operations were ultimately acquired by ConAgra Foods.](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Beatrice-FOods.jpg?resize=462%2C462&ssl=1)
![W. R. Grace and Co. is an American chemical business based in Columbia, Maryland. It produces specialty chemicals and specialty materials in two divisions: Grace Catalysts Technologies, which makes polyethylene and polypropylene catalysts and related products and technologies used in petrochemical, refining, and other chemical manufacturing applications, and Grace Materials and Chemicals, which makes specialty materials, including silica-based and silica-alumina-based materials, which are used in commercial products such as sunscreen[2] and in chemical process applications.[1] For much of its early history, Grace's main business was in South America, in maritime shipping, railroads, agriculture, and silver mining, with 30,000 employees in Peru. In the 1950s, Grace began to diversify and grew into a Fortune 100 worldwide conglomerate. After emerging from a prolonged bankruptcy period of 12 years in 2014, the company spun off its other major operating divisions. In 2015, Grace separated into two independent public companies. Its Catalysts and Material Technologies business segments remained in Grace, and what would later become GCP Applied Technologies Inc. held its Construction Products and Darex Packaging Technologies businesses. In September 2021, Standard Industries acquired Grace (the Catalysts and Material Technologies business segments).](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/W.R-Grace-and-COmpany.png?resize=330%2C153&ssl=1)
Harr’s exploration of corporate accountability goes beyond the actions of individual defendants, prompting readers to consider the systemic forces that allow such injustices to occur. The book suggests that true accountability requires not just legal victories but also systemic change to prevent future harm.
Narrative Style and Structure
One of the reasons A Civil Action stands out as a work of nonfiction is Jonathan Harr’s ability to blend meticulous research with compelling storytelling. The book reads like a novel, drawing readers into the emotional and procedural intricacies of the case while maintaining a strong factual foundation.
Immersive and Novelistic Approach
Harr employs a narrative style that borrows techniques from fiction, such as vivid character development, dialogue, and scene-setting. This approach makes the book accessible to a wide audience, including those without a background in law or environmental science.
The book’s opening chapters, which focus on Anne Anderson’s discovery of the leukemia cluster, immediately engage readers by grounding the story in personal tragedy. Harr’s use of sensory details and emotional resonance draws readers into the lives of the plaintiffs, making their plight feel immediate and relatable.
![cancer cluster is a disease cluster in which a high number of cancer cases occurs in a group of people in a particular geographic area over a limited period of time.[1] Historical examples of work-related cancer clusters are well documented in the medical literature. Notable examples include: scrotal cancer among chimney sweeps in 18th-century London; osteosarcoma among female watch dial painters in the 20th century; skin cancer in farmers; bladder cancer in dye workers exposed to aniline compounds; and leukemia and lymphoma in chemical workers exposed to benzene.[2] Cancer cluster suspicions usually arise when members of the general public report that their family members, friends, neighbors, or coworkers have been diagnosed with the same or related cancers. State or local health departments will investigate the possibility of a cancer cluster when a claim is filed.[3] In order to justify investigating such claims, health departments conduct a preliminary review. Data will be collected and verified regarding: the types of cancer reported, numbers of cases, geographic area of the cases, and the patients clinical history. At this point, a committee of medical professionals will examine the data and determine whether or not an investigation (often lengthy and expensive) is justified.[4] In the U.S., state and local health departments respond to more than 1,000 inquiries about suspected cancer clusters each year. It is possible that a suspected cancer cluster may be due to chance alone; however, only clusters that have a disease rate that is statistically significantly greater than the disease rate of the general population are investigated. Given the number of inquiries it is likely that many of these are due to chance alone. It is a well-known problem in interpreting data that random cases of cancer can appear to form clumps that are misinterpreted as a cluster.[5] A cluster is less likely to be coincidental if the case consists of one type of cancer, a rare type of cancer, or a type of cancer that is not usually found in a certain age group. Between 5% and 15% of suspected cancer clusters are statistically significant.](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cancer-Cluster.jpg?resize=525%2C276&ssl=1)
Balancing Legal Complexity and Human Interest
Harr masterfully balances the technical aspects of the case with the human stories behind it. While the book delves into the intricacies of groundwater contamination, epidemiology, and legal strategy, Harr ensures that these details never overshadow the emotional core of the narrative.
The juxtaposition of technical exposition with personal anecdotes creates a sense of urgency, reminding readers that the case is not just about abstract legal principles but about real people seeking justice for their suffering.
Building Suspense and Emotional Engagement
Despite its focus on a legal case with a known outcome, A Civil Action maintains a sense of suspense throughout. Harr achieves this by focusing on the journey rather than the destination, highlighting the twists and turns of the litigation process.
The narrative’s emotional peaks and valleys mirror the experiences of the plaintiffs and Schlichtmann, keeping readers invested in the outcome. Harr’s portrayal of Schlichtmann’s growing obsession with the case adds a layer of psychological complexity, making the story as much about the lawyer’s personal unraveling as it is about the legal battle itself.
A Multifaceted Perspective
Harr’s decision to present the story from multiple perspectives adds depth to the narrative. While Schlichtmann is the central figure, the book also gives voice to the plaintiffs, the defense attorneys, and other key players. This multifaceted approach provides a nuanced view of the case, allowing readers to understand the motivations and challenges faced by all parties involved.
Comparison to the Film Adaptation
Steven Zaillian’s 1998 adaptation of A Civil Action attempts to translate Jonathan Harr’s intricate and emotionally resonant narrative into a cinematic format. While the film remains largely faithful to the source material, its limitations as a medium lead to a more streamlined, and at times simplified, interpretation of the story. A direct comparison of the two reveals not only the strengths and weaknesses of each medium but also how their differing approaches affect the story’s themes and impact.
Faithfulness to the Source Material
Zaillian’s film remains loyal to the core events of the Woburn case, retaining many key plot points and characters. Major figures like Jan Schlichtmann (played by John Travolta), Anne Anderson (Kathleen Quinlan), and Jerome Facher (Robert Duvall) are faithfully adapted. The film also preserves the essential facts of the case, including the contamination of the aquifer by industrial solvents and the eventual legal outcome.
However, the film compresses the timeline and omits some of the complexities of the litigation process. For example, the intricate scientific evidence presented in the book is simplified, and certain legal maneuvers are condensed or excluded entirely. While this streamlining is necessary for pacing, it sacrifices some of the nuance that Harr meticulously documents.
Characterizations: A Shift in Focus
One of the most significant differences between the book and the film lies in their portrayal of Jan Schlichtmann. In Harr’s book, Schlichtmann is a deeply flawed yet multifaceted figure whose motivations evolve over the course of the case. The book delves into his inner struggles, highlighting his arrogance, ambition, and eventual disillusionment.
In the film, Schlichtmann’s character is simplified, with greater emphasis placed on his transformation from a self-serving lawyer to a crusader for justice. While Travolta delivers a compelling performance, the film’s portrayal lacks some of the depth and ambiguity found in the book.
The supporting characters also undergo significant changes in the transition to film. Anne Anderson, who serves as a central figure in the book, is relegated to a more peripheral role. Conversely, Jerome Facher (Duvall) is given more screen time, with his sharp wit and strategic brilliance adding a touch of levity to the otherwise somber narrative.
Tone and Focus
Harr’s book is as much an exploration of systemic issues as it is a courtroom drama. It examines the broader implications of the Woburn case, including the challenges of environmental justice and the limitations of the legal system. The film, by contrast, focuses more narrowly on the courtroom proceedings and Schlichtmann’s personal journey.
This shift in focus makes the film more accessible to a general audience but diminishes its thematic depth. For example, the book’s exploration of corporate accountability and the scientific complexity of proving causation are only briefly touched upon in the film.
Pacing and Narrative Choices
The film’s pacing reflects the constraints of a two-hour runtime. While Harr’s book takes its time to build suspense and delve into the details of the case, the film moves quickly from one key event to the next. This approach creates a more streamlined narrative but reduces the emotional weight of certain moments.
For instance, the book spends considerable time on Schlichtmann’s financial struggles and the toll the case takes on his personal life, making his eventual downfall feel inevitable and tragic. The film, while acknowledging these aspects, devotes less time to them, resulting in a less nuanced portrayal.
Cinematic Strengths
Despite its limitations, the film adaptation has its own strengths. The performances, particularly Duvall’s Oscar-nominated turn as Facher, bring a level of immediacy and charm to the story. Conrad Hall’s cinematography captures the bleakness of Woburn and the sterile atmosphere of the courtroom, visually reinforcing the story’s themes.
![Conrad Lafcadio Hall, ASC (June 21, 1926 – January 4, 2003) was a French Polynesian-born American cinematographer.[1] Named after writers Joseph Conrad and Lafcadio Hearn, he became widely prominent as a cinematographer earning numerous accolades including three Academy Awards (with ten nominations), three BAFTA Awards and five American Society of Cinematographers Awards. Hall won three Academy Awards for Best Cinematography for his work on Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), American Beauty (1999), and Road to Perdition (2002). He was also Oscar-nominated for Morituri (1965), The Professionals (1966), In Cold Blood (1967), The Day of the Locust (1975), Tequila Sunrise (1988), Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993), and A Civil Action (1998). He is also known for Cool Hand Luke (1967), Fat City (1972), and Marathon Man (1976). In 2003, Hall was judged to be one of history's ten most influential cinematographers in a survey of the members of the International Cinematographers Guild.[2] He has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Conrad-Hall.jpg?resize=525%2C342&ssl=1)
The film also benefits from Zaillian’s direction, which balances moments of tension with quieter, character-driven scenes. While it lacks the depth of the book, the film succeeds in conveying the emotional stakes of the case and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters.
Cultural and Historical Context
The publication of A Civil Action in 1995 and its subsequent adaptation in 1998 coincided with a period of growing awareness about environmental issues in the United States. The 1980s and 1990s saw several high-profile cases of industrial pollution, including Love Canal and the Exxon Valdez oil spill, which brought environmental justice to the forefront of public consciousness.
![Love Canal is a neighborhood in Niagara Falls, New York, United States, infamous as the location of a 0.28 km2 (0.11 sq mi) landfill that became the site of an environmental disaster discovered in 1977. Decades of dumping toxic chemicals killed residents and harmed the health of hundreds, often profoundly.[1] The area was cleaned up over 21 years in a Superfund operation.](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Love-Canal.jpg?resize=525%2C347&ssl=1)
![The Exxon Valdez oil spill was a major environmental disaster that occurred in Alaska's Prince William Sound on March 24, 1989. The spill occurred when Exxon Valdez, an oil supertanker owned by Exxon Shipping Company, bound for Long Beach, California, struck Prince William Sound's Bligh Reef, 6 mi (9.7 km) west of Tatitlek, Alaska at 12:04 a.m. The tanker spilled more than 10 million US gallons (240,000 bbl) (or 37,000 tonnes)[1] of crude oil over the next few days.[2] The Exxon Valdez spill is the second largest in U.S. waters, after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, in terms of volume of oil released.[3][4] Prince William Sound's remote location, accessible only by helicopter, plane, or boat, made government and industry response efforts difficult and made existing response plans especially hard to implement. The region is a habitat for salmon, sea otters, seals, and seabirds. The oil, extracted from the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field, eventually affected 1,300 miles (2,100 km) of coastline, of which 200 miles (320 km) were heavily or moderately oiled.](https://i0.wp.com/moviestohistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Exxon-Valdez-Oil-Spill.jpg?resize=525%2C295&ssl=1)
The Legacy of the Woburn Case
The Woburn case itself became a landmark in environmental law, highlighting the challenges of holding corporations accountable for environmental harm. The case underscored the difficulties of proving causation in toxic tort cases, a problem that persists today. Harr’s book helped bring this complex issue to a wider audience, sparking conversations about the need for systemic reforms.
While the case did not result in a definitive legal victory for the plaintiffs, it had a lasting impact on environmental advocacy. It raised awareness about the importance of groundwater protection and inspired subsequent efforts to address environmental injustices.
Broader Implications for Environmental Justice
Harr’s book and its adaptation also contributed to the broader movement for environmental justice, which seeks to address the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities. The Woburn case exemplified how industrial pollution often affects those with the least power to fight back, a theme that resonates in many other cases.
The book’s success paved the way for similar works, such as Erin Brockovich, which also explored the intersection of environmental harm and legal advocacy. Together, these stories helped to humanize environmental issues, making them more relatable and urgent for the general public.
The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions
The book and film also highlight the role of media in shaping public perceptions of environmental issues. Harr’s narrative brought the Woburn case to national attention, while the film introduced it to an even broader audience. This dual impact underscores the power of storytelling in driving awareness and change.
Relevance Today
Nearly three decades after its publication, A Civil Action remains as relevant as ever. Issues of environmental contamination, corporate accountability, and systemic inequality continue to dominate headlines, from the Flint water crisis to debates about climate change. Harr’s book serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of these issues and the ongoing need for vigilance and advocacy.
Personal Reflection and Closing Thoughts
Jonathan Harr’s A Civil Action is a masterful blend of investigative journalism and narrative storytelling, offering a compelling account of a legal battle that is both deeply personal and universally significant. The book’s enduring impact lies in its ability to humanize a complex environmental case, shedding light on systemic injustices while capturing the emotional and psychological toll on those involved.
The Human Element
What makes A Civil Action so powerful is its focus on the human stories behind the legal case. Harr gives voice to the Woburn residents, whose suffering is both the impetus for the lawsuit and the emotional core of the narrative. By portraying their grief, resilience, and frustration, Harr ensures that readers never lose sight of what is truly at stake: the lives of real people.
Similarly, Harr’s nuanced portrayal of Jan Schlichtmann elevates the book beyond a simple David-and-Goliath tale. Schlichtmann is not a flawless hero but a deeply complex figure whose ambition and idealism are both his greatest strengths and his ultimate undoing. Through Schlichtmann’s journey, Harr explores the moral ambiguities of the legal profession, offering a portrait of a man who sacrifices everything in pursuit of justice—only to question whether the sacrifice was worth it.
A Broader Reflection on Justice
One of the book’s most striking achievements is its unflinching examination of the legal system’s imperfections. Harr does not shy away from showing how the system often favors those with greater resources, allowing corporations to outmaneuver ordinary citizens through procedural tactics and protracted litigation. Yet, he also acknowledges the potential for individual actors—like Schlichtmann and the Woburn residents—to make a difference, even when the odds are stacked against them.
The Woburn case serves as a microcosm of larger societal issues, from environmental degradation to economic inequality. Harr’s ability to connect these broader themes to the specific events of the case makes the book both timely and timeless.
The Film’s Role in Amplifying the Story
While the film adaptation of A Civil Action does not capture the full depth of Harr’s book, it plays a valuable role in bringing the story to a wider audience. Zaillian’s film succeeds in distilling the essence of the case and its central conflicts, even if it sacrifices some of the book’s complexity.
The performances, particularly John Travolta’s and Robert Duvall’s, add layers of emotional resonance to the narrative, making the story accessible to viewers who may not be familiar with the intricacies of environmental law. However, for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Woburn case and its implications, Harr’s book remains the definitive account.
A Civil Action is not just a story about one lawsuit; it is a call to action. It challenges readers to consider their own role in addressing environmental and social injustices, whether through advocacy, activism, or simply staying informed. The book’s enduring relevance underscores the importance of vigilance in the face of corporate misconduct and systemic inequality.
Final Thoughts
In A Civil Action, Jonathan Harr achieves the rare feat of combining meticulous research with compelling storytelling, creating a work that is as informative as it is emotionally engaging. The book’s impact extends far beyond the Woburn case, serving as a powerful reminder of the human cost of environmental harm and the importance of fighting for justice, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
The film adaptation, while less comprehensive, complements the book by bringing its story to a broader audience and capturing the emotional stakes of the case. Together, the book and film offer a multifaceted exploration of a landmark case, highlighting the resilience of ordinary people and the complexities of seeking justice in an imperfect system.
For anyone interested in environmental justice, legal dramas, or stories of human perseverance, A Civil Action is essential reading. Its legacy endures not only as a document of a specific case but as a testament to the enduring struggle for fairness and accountability in a world that often resists both.
Jonathan Harr’s A Civil Action stands as a touchstone in nonfiction literature, offering readers a detailed, moving, and thought-provoking account of a legal battle that remains profoundly relevant. Its themes of justice, accountability, and perseverance resonate as powerfully today as they did at the time of its publication. Paired with its film adaptation, the story of the Woburn case continues to inspire and challenge audiences, reminding us all of the importance of seeking justice in a complex and often inequitable world.
A Civil Action is available now for rent on your preferred streaming platform…
- Roger Ebert, Review: John Q, February 15, 2002 https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/john-q-2002 ↩︎
- Roger Ebert, Review: Operation Dumbo Drop, July 28, 1995 https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/operation-dumbo-drop-1995 ↩︎