One of the best films that John Travolta appeared in during his post Pulp Fiction glory daze, the 1998 social issues drama A Civil Action is still a pertinent and topical piece of adult-minded filmmaking, the sort of film that seems in short supply these days, written and directed by one of the classiest storytellers that Hollywood has at its disposal. Steven Zaillian’s fine-tuned screenplay and sensitive, adroit direction propelled this smart and troubling courtroom drama centering on the polluting of a small town’s water supply, and how big business is only too happy to try and skirt their responsibilities, never fully caring about the ramifications of their sloppy actions. Shot in varying shades of gray, black, and brown by Conrad Hall, the wintry atmosphere is a perfect visual hook for this steely and cold film, with an emphasis on naturalistic lighting and studied camera placement. An excellent supporting cast including John Lithgow, Oscar nominee Robert Duvall, James Gandolfini, Dan Hedaya,William H. Macy, Kathleen Quinlan, Stephen Fry, and Tony Shaloub helped to make the proceedings even more lively and strong, while the almost mournful score by Danny Elfman contributed to the somber, tough minded mood. I’m a huge fan of films of this nature, stories that are about something relevant and universal, because, this could be ANY town in ANY state facing a problem that we take very much for granted.
Podcasting Them Softly 