‘The system is rigged…’
It’s curious that Marvel have never afforded Mark Ruffalo a standalone Hulk movie as he is undoubtedly the best actor out of the bunch. Maybe it’s because he has carved out such a niche in prestige, character driven cinema that he has no need to give up half of his performance to CGI. Dark Waters is the latest showcase for Ruffalo’s considerable talents and like Zodiac and Spotlight before it, this is an important, courageous piece of filmmaking…
After discovering the truth about chemical company Dupont and the extent to which they have destroyed the planet, corporate defense attorney Rob Bilott (Ruffalo) decides to take on the big boys in an ill advised, life defining decision. By his side is his wife Sarah (Anne Hathaway), his boss Tom Terp (Tim Robbins) and his seasoned colleague Harry (Bill Pullman).
Dark Waters is a true story, and scandalously, it is a tale that most people probably don’t know about. The chilling statistics that act as a coda to Dark Water should be enough to scare anyone into researching Dupont, teflon and every other damn thing that has invaded our blood stream. Veteran director Todd Haynes brings together a number of disparate strands to ensure that what is a complicated situation is rendered accessible, both by the concise but compelling script, and by the performances of Haynes’ superlative cast.
Sure, Ruffalo is once again quietly sensational in the lead role, but it is also great to see Robbins and Pullman back on the big screen, and both of them bring something to the table here. Anne Hathaway is a little under utilised, but she shines when given the chance, and the whole ensemble work together to infuse what could have been a stuffy story with warmth and emotion.
Dark Waters is an important film that everybody should watch. Just make sure you’re prepared to get angry…