Mark Ruffalo has come a long way in my books. From the guy who did bad rom coms, to the guy who made it big (rightly so, and no pun intended) as the Hulk. But it is his 'acting films' (Spotlight, Foxcatcher) that have really made me stop and notice him. Plus he appears to be a nice guy, which always helps.
Dark Waters is a really important film, on a really important topic, one that doesn't just affect the Americans or the people living close to the DuPont factories. It affects pretty much everyone in the world today, anyone who has ever used non-stick pans or clothes or products. As Rob Bilott (the real-life lawyer that Mark Ruffalo is playing in the film) said with confidence to the audience at the Graham Norton Show in February 2020, "it's in the water everywhere, it's in everyone's blood in this room, everyone's blood in the whole planet".
The story is shocking, disturbing, and it's the truth for all of us, so even more impactful. And yet, the film is not very compelling. It drags, it bores, it doesn't keep you engaged.
Still, I would recommend - because it is that important.
Dark Waters is a really important film, on a really important topic, one that doesn't just affect the Americans or the people living close to the DuPont factories. It affects pretty much everyone in the world today, anyone who has ever used non-stick pans or clothes or products. As Rob Bilott (the real-life lawyer that Mark Ruffalo is playing in the film) said with confidence to the audience at the Graham Norton Show in February 2020, "it's in the water everywhere, it's in everyone's blood in this room, everyone's blood in the whole planet".
The story is shocking, disturbing, and it's the truth for all of us, so even more impactful. And yet, the film is not very compelling. It drags, it bores, it doesn't keep you engaged.
Still, I would recommend - because it is that important.
