A Civil Action is a 1998 film, starring John Travolta (as plaintiff's attorney Jan Schlichtmann) and Robert Duvall, based on the book of the same name by Jonathan Harr. Both the book and the film are based on the real-life case of Anderson v. Cryovac that took place in Woburn, Massachusetts in the 1980s.
The real life case at the heart of the book and film is Anne Anderson, et al., v. Cryovac, Inc., et al.. The first reported decision in the case is at 96 F.R.D. 431 (denial of defendants' motion to dismiss).
Story
When environmental toxins in a small town's drinking supply become linked to a number of deaths of resident children, greiving parents and other alarmed citizens call on a small firm of personal injury lawyers to first investigate, then prosecute those responsible.
John Travolta is excellent as a trial attorney who gets emotionally wrapped up in the deaths, knowing his selfless pursuit of justice will cost both his clients and partners. His main adversary is a wily Harvard law professor (outstandingly played by Robert Duvall), who assessing the case's more important aspects, dances rings around him in court.
The true source material, an excellent screenplay, striking rural photography, and an array of well-acted supporting roles - most notably James Gandolfini, Tony Shalhoub, John Lithgow, William H. Macy, Kathleen Quinlan and Dan Hedaya - all contribute to the authentic feel and engrossing storyline.
Heart-wrenching in places, A Civil Action is one of the screen's most honest and compelling looks at civil litigation, and the great personal sacrifices sometimes paid by those who ply the trade for the benefit of all.
Music
The music score was written by Danny Elfman.
Other songs include:
- "There's a Rainbow 'Round my Shoulder"
- "Hard Workin' Man" (featured on the opening credits)
- Written by Jack Nitzsche, Ry Cooder, Paul Schrader
- Performed by Captain Beefheart
- Courtesy of MCA Records; under license from Universal Music Special Markets
- "Little Drummer Boy"
- "Take Me To The River"
- Written by Al Green and Mabon Hodges
- Performed by Talking Heads
- Courtesy of Sire Records Company, by arrangement with Warner Special Products and licensed courtesy of EMI Records Ltd.
- Version used is the live version from Stop Making Sense
- "Theme From A Summer Place"
- Written by Max Steiner
Certification
- MPAA: Rated PG-13 for some strong language (certificate #36309)
- Iceland:L
- Argentina:13
- Australia:M (original rating)/Australia:PG (TV rating)
- Chile:14
- Finland:K-12
- France:U
- Germany:12 (w)
- Norway:7
- Peru:14
- Portugal:M/12
- Spain:T
- Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) /Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud)
- UK:15
- Singapore:PG
Awards
See also
External links
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