Law reVIEW: Erin Brockovich
Law reVIEW is a blog series dedicated to investigating and reviewing both popular and documentary films in the Chastek Library film collection.
ERIN BROCKOVICH (2000)
Julia Roberts stars in this hugely popular dramatized biographical film portrayal of the life of single mom, legal clerk, and activist, Erin Brockovich. Supported by the wonderful Albert Finney as attorney Ed Masry, this film tells the tale of the 1996 Anderson,
et al. v. Pacific Gas and Electric arbitration that became what was then the largest direct action settlement in U.S. history.
Beginning in 1992, Brockovich, with Masry's expertise and support, builds a case against the utility giant upon discovering evidence that PG&E covered-up their role in contaminating Hinkley, California's water supply with cancer-causing hexavalent chromium decades before through their use of unlined wastewater disposal ponds.
Erin Brockovich currently holds an 84% on Rotten Tomatoes with the overall consensus being that it is a "smart, thoughtful, and funny legal drama". Lauded by critics, it was nominated for 4 Golden Globe Awards and 5 Academy Awards. Julia Roberts took home the only awards as Best Actress at both ceremonies, as well as a SAG and BAFTA award. The film is considered a box office success after ending its run at $250 million.
Erin Brockovich currently holds an 84% on Rotten Tomatoes with the overall consensus being that it is a "smart, thoughtful, and funny legal drama". Lauded by critics, it was nominated for 4 Golden Globe Awards and 5 Academy Awards. Julia Roberts took home the only awards as Best Actress at both ceremonies, as well as a SAG and BAFTA award. The film is considered a box office success after ending its run at $250 million.
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While the overall story is based in
fact, there have been repeated attempts in the years since its release to discredit the argument regarding the cancer-causing toxicity of hexavalent chromium that had leached into the water supply. These claims have been invalidated by a more recent toxicological study conducted by the state of California and the E.P.A. that came to the conclusion that hexavalent chromium does in-fact cause cancer.
PG&E has since settled all final claims made by residents of Hinkley, and purchased many of the homes as the plume of contamination has continued to grow.
PG&E has since settled all final claims made by residents of Hinkley, and purchased many of the homes as the plume of contamination has continued to grow.
In 2006, Masry and Brockovich would go on to settle out of court with PG&E in Kettleman City, California for $295 million.
Chastek Library Location: DVD E7 - First Floor DVD Collection
