Dark Waters (2019)

A corporate attorney (Mark Ruffalo) is contacted by a West Virginia neighbor (Bill Camp) of his grandmother about the unexplained deaths of his cows which he suspects is due to toxic waste from the DuPont plant in town. But this is just the tip of the iceberg as the attorney uncovers a massive cover up by DuPont to deceive the public about its deadly secret. Based on the New York Times article THE LAWYER WHO BECAME DUPONT'S WORST NIGHTMARE and directed by Todd Haynes (FAR FROM HEAVEN). This true story follows the path of other films about real life crusaders taking on the big corporations, perhaps ERIN BROCKOVICH is the most notable example. One can't help but be fascinated and outraged by the blatant arrogance of a company like DuPont putting their profits over the lives of their employees and townspeople. But frankly, the film is a bit of a bore. Stories like this need to be told so it's a pity that the film never rises above average. I don't know what drew such a distinctive and unique director like Haynes to this project as he doesn't bring any of his edginess or distinct eye to the material. It's the most mainstream film he's done and I suppose he was simpatico to the subject matter. The acting is just okay all around though it was disconcerting to see Anne Hathaway in the "wife" role. Has her career come to that already? With Tim Robbins, Victor Garber and Mare Winningham.