Justice in context: Erin Brockovich
Prejudices can perpetuate injustice
Injustices can arise from an abuse of power
As conveyed throughout the entirety of the film, there were various instances were it was exhibited that injustices can arise from an abuse of power. The major case in point was the multi-billion dollar corporation, that took advantage of underprivileged citizens. PG & E knowingly withheld information from the people of Hinkley, and lied about the danger of their business activity, which led to the residents being physically, emotionally and financially harmed by the presence of the detrimental chromium in their water. Through the silencing of marginalised communities, positive change was not fought for. If the struggling do not have the capability to stand up, express their issue and demand for it to be rectified, powerful companies can ignore the crucial rights of citizens, which can lead to corruption, extreme injustice and a weakening in the values of the justice system. Furthermore, their lack of representation can result in even worse legal outcomes and the acceptance of injustice.
The film Erin Brockovich exhibits multiple components of prejudice that catalyses injustice, throughout Erin’s courageous and determined mission to attain justice for the people of Hinkley. She was extremely prejudiced, endured personal attacks and underwent scrutiny about her intellectual capacity, based on merely the fact that she did not study at law school, as the professionals surrounding her had. She experienced extreme bias and was judged on her circumstances, marital status and wealth. Furthermore, there was a stereotypical outlook on the way that she presented herself, which led to assumptions of unprofessionalism, stupidity and inferiority. She was treated in a horrible manner based on these prejudices which led to events of injustice such as being maligned in a court case.
The long shot of the traffic light intersection displays the light turning to green, before Erin begins to accelerate. The other car collides into her just a couple seconds later, inferring that he had run a red light and therefore demonstrating that Erin was not at fault for the incident. Injustice is later brought upon Erin as she is not compensated for damages, due to prejudices made against her, purely based on stereotypes.
The costuming of Erins neck assists the audience to infer that Erin has been physically harmed by the collision. Soderbergh communicates the idea, that through prejudice and prejudgement based on stereotypes, injustice can occur as a result; in this case physical and financial strain.
The reaction shot of the jury side-eyeing each other highlights how they have been persuaded by the lawyer’s tactics and how they perceive Erin with disapproval. Due the existing prejudices and stereotypes in addition with the strategic word choices by the lawyer, an injustice was performed against Erin, as she did not receive the compensation that she rightfully deserved.
With courage and solidarity, justice can be brought against the powerful by less powerful people.
Injustices can bring many forms of harm to individuals
The quest for justice is never easy; it requires hard work, dedication and perseverance.
The montage of Erins testimony on the stand highlights her vulnerable status, including her sole responsibility of her family as a single mother, as well as having medical debt that amounts to $17000. (This figure is especially ghastly, as America does not provide free healthcare).This communicates to the audience how prejudice can perpetuate injustice and how this can induce suffering and inequity for the victim, if true justice fails to be upheld.
The lawyer questions Erin during her court case with a condescending and judgemental tone. This is further illustrated in the quote “There’s more than one [ex-husband]?”. The lawyer attempts to emphasise irresponsibility and challenges her credibility, to which Erin answers in an exasperated and annoyed voice. The lawyer also suggests, that due to her vulnerable circumstances, she may have seen a “pretty good meal ticket” with the doctors car, implying carelessness and ulterior motives. He adds in an incredulous tone, “An ER doctor who spends his day saving lives [crashed into you]?” asking the jury to consider who is more likely to tell the truth. Erin is maligned in her court case as the judge favours the doctor simply because of his profession. This, compared to an unemployed, single mother, with crude language, whose dress choice causes stereotypical judgement. The result of the court case demonstrates injustice due to the prejudice put upon Erin, that impacted her right to be compensated for damages.
The dialogue utilised by Mr Foyer, (a representative of PG & E), Erin and Mr Masry, regarding the matter of PG &E negligence, communicates how injustices can arise from an abuse of power. This is especially conveyed in the quote, “You might want to remember who it is you’re dealing with, PG & E is a 28 billion dollar corporation” As emphasised by movie director, Soderbergh, PG & E is utilising their power, influence, reputation and wealth, to highlight the enormous advantage they have, as a large corporation against the vulnerable citizens of Hinkley. Mr Foyer, in this sentence, carries an air of warning and a sense of superiority, implying the dire consequences that could occur as a result of proceeding with the trial. In his attempt to intimidate Erin and Mr Masry out of continuing to fight for justice and compensation, PG & E abuses their power by manipulating people, to achieve only the best outcome for their own selfish desires. Through this PG & E commits an injustice.
The dialogue employed by Soderbergh in this particular scene, expressively conveys the fact that PG & E bribed a doctor, to not only lie to the residents of Hinkley about the hexavalent chromium having no health repercussions, but PG & E also had the audacity to pressure the medical professionals to advocate its ‘health benefits’. In the quote by Donna Jenson, a victim of hexavalent chromium, she stated,
“He [our doctor] said that one’s got nothing to do with the other.” to which Erin replies with, “But PG&E paid for that doctor.” Doctors of residents insisted that the chromium 3 had no part in the cause of the lethal illnesses that the people had contracted, when the corporation was instead using the toxic chemical, chromium 6, that had contaminated the groundwater. This multi-billion dollar company misled and took advantage of a town, in which citizens had received a poor education and obtained a low income. This meant that they had no wealth or knowledge to fight against such a monstrous company, and thus remained oblivious to its deleterious affects. The broadcasted benefits also contributed to the appeal and those who had not informed themselves on its side effects, remained clueless about its disastrous consequences, until it was brought to their attention by Erin Brockovich.
Soderbergh in the film of Erin Brockovich, emphasises the abuse of power of enormous company PH & E, by employing the filmic technique of tone and body composition, utilised in conjunction with the dialogue. These devices exhibit the prodigious influence and immense power of PG & E. Mr Foyer’s tone lacks genuinity and carries a sense of urgency and superiority, in an attempt to coax Erin and Mr Masry out of the case and to persuade the plaintiffs to settle. His eyes widen and his selected tone of voice implies that Erin should follow his blatant ‘suggestions’. This is expressed in the quote, “In the interest of putting this whole thing to rest, PG&E is willing to offer the Jenson’s $250 000 for their home...we feel as if this is a more than fair price”.
The multiple forms of harm suffered by the residents of Hinkley, were instigated by injustices brought upon them by the PG &E corporation. These varying types of damage have impacted all crucial aspects of the residents’ lives and has dramatically reduced their wellbeing and standard of living. This key point has been proved by numerous pieces of evidence located throughout the case study. Some of these ghastly outcomes include the severe, life threatening health repercussions of consumption, the debilitating medical expenses (especially with the lack of health care in America) , the emotional toll and trauma of witnessing ill family members experience such pain, time sacrificed to recover, loss of property and the diseases that will be passed on through genetics, devitalising future generations.
The zoom implemented by Soderbergh in this scene, offers proof of health consequences in the toxicology reports. The images of the factual report documents, stating the medical data and analysis of the patients, clearly exhibits the unrelenting harm they have endured to their health and the way in which they have undergone injustice. The paper highlights lethal medical conditions and diseases that destroy ones ability to function in society, perform simple everyday tasks and lead a full and fulfilling life. These call the audience to focus on the information being presented. Furthermore, the non diegetic music conveys a sense of isolation, dread and troubling thoughts. Through this, Soderbergh evokes a sense of fear and dread in the audience, as well as communicates the severity of the situation and emphasises the correlation between PG & E and environmental injustice.
Dialogue has been employed to display, in further detail, the major health repercussions that the residents of Hinkley have been forced to endure. Toxic chemicals that have eradicated their livelihood, damaged their overall wellbeing and caused some truly concerning issues throughout the generations.The quote by a chromium and toxic substances professional states,“With repeated exposure the toxic levels, god, anything really from chronic headaches and nose bleeds to respiratory disease, liver failure, heart failure, reproductive failure, bone or organ deterioration plus, of course, any type of cancer.” This piece of dialogue by an authoritative figure with qualifications increases the validity of the information provided.
The dialogue employed, emphasises the abuse of power that is found within the company of PG &E. Through valuable insight of a toxicology professor we find that PG & E has a tainted history of eradicating evidence that could damage their economical profits, their business activity or their reputation. PG & E lies and deceives their clients who have complete faith in the corporation. This leads to an opportunity for deception. The company furthermore conceals and destroys evidence that verifies these activities. As the professor mentions in this quote, “I wouldn’t advertise what you’re looking for if I were you, incriminating records have a way of disappearing when people smell trouble”. This highlights the power of the colossal corporation, and the amount of influence they possess— enough to pressure workers into destroying evidence of their misdeeds.
As displayed in the quote by a representative of PG & E, abuse of power is portrayed, “You should watch your step. A young lady like yourself with three young children really should think again”
The employed threatening tone in the phone call Erin received, was an effective manipulation tactic to keep residents oblivious of the harrowing repercussions of the hazardous substance. In this way Soderbergh achieves to communicate the abuse of power in the PG & E corporation. The ominous threats from the mysterious caller, alludes to the horrifying idea that Erin and her family may be harmed, if she chooses to proceed with the investigation. This substantiates the lengths that this company will go to, in order to protect their own business and assets. They take advantage of their own power and status to manipulate the weaker members of society, prevent the truth from being revealed and the victims from seeking the justice, righteousness and the compensation they deserve.
With courage and solidarity, the inferior, the vulnerable and the poor, can demand justice against those of a higher power for injustices or a violation of rights. Without action there is little change, but with unity and courage regardless of fear or risk, justice can be attained. As conveyed in the chosen film, there is a substantial imbalance between the citizens of Hinkley and the major managers of the company. Nonetheless, evidence suggests that Erin has an unwavering belief that true righteousness is on the horizon. With this, she persuaded the citizens of Hinkley and all other victims of hexavalent chromium, to unite for compensation and to fight for justice and positive societal change.
In the filmic technique of dialogue, Erin exclaims, “We can get these people. With just a little effort I think we can nail their asses to the wall.” This piece of dialogue implies that although Erin knows that they are in an inferior position to PG&E, that with courage, hard work and determination, that all can rise to the challenge of fighting against the formidable company, to guarantee that the residents of Hinkley achieve justice. Her energy, intrepidity and her ability to bring together a group of people in solidarity has validated, that with these attributes, justice can be accomplished.
Dialogue is utilised by Soderbergh to convey the imbalance of power, yet to also communicate also, that with courage, even in the presence of fear, as well as solidarity, justice can be brought against the powerful, by powerfully inferior citizens. As reinforced in the quote, “It’s kinda like David and what’s-his-name [Erin] ” to which Ed responds with “It’s kinda like David and what’s-his name’s whole family” These quotes are an allusion to the bible passage of David and Goliath, which effectively connotes a lesser power overtaking the powerful, in the name of justice and righteousness. The quote also suggests that Erin has a confident mindset and believes they will be successful, just as David was. Through this allusion, it is conveyed that with the same courage that David possessed, with unity and solidarity, true justice is possible.
A montage is employed by director Soderbergh, to portray the way in which all residents sign the document to instigate a movement, that will evoke positive change and much deserved compensation. The montage is implemented to depict the progress and development of the movement. Through this, an idea is emphasised by the director, that by coming together in solidarity, and with the courage to take calculated risks, justice can be achieved for vulnerable, less powerful people against powerful corporations such as PG & E.
The filmic technique implemented in this scene, is the close up of a young girl (Annabelle) who had suffered the ramifications of hexavalent chromium. This same hazardous substance precipitated the growth of a tumour in her brain stem, and put her in dire need of immediate surgery, at the financial and emotional expense of her family. The close up on her face, employed by director Soderbergh, highlights the truly saddening details of her weary eyes, sickly complexion and vulnerable, weakened state. This image evokes emotions of despair, sympathy, pain and a fierce desire to assist and achieve justice.
The director Soderbergh has utilised colour, lighting and body composition to convey the excruciatingly painful strain endured by the residents, that has come as a result of injustice caused by toxins utilised by PG & E. The employed monochrome blue colour communicates the somber, ache filled pain that comes with adversities such as the ones experienced. The atmosphere is intense, filled with a sense of loneliness and dread. The dim lighting works with this factor by also suggesting a dark and woeful mood. Furthermore, the body language of being on ones knees, face in hands, communicates the painful emotion of complete and utter hopelessness. The feeling of trepidation that can overcome ones soul in such arduous circumstances. These elements used in conjunction with each other, emphasises the extensive emotional toll that this injustice has taken on its victims.
In order to obtain justice, one must work hard and have unwavering dedication and perseverance, in order to achieve success. Through a thirst for righteousness and a refusal to give up, until the voices of the marginalised are acknowledged, justice will prevail. Furthermore, these attributes can also be found within a person; values of responsibility, passion, resilience, skepticism and honesty can demonstrate this key idea. A multitude of evidence pieces are strategically incorporated throughout the film by the director Soderbergh, that expresses how justice can be attained through rigorous research, sacrifice, determination and overall hard labour.
The filmic technique of dialogue is employed by Soderbergh to communicate the physical and mental strain, that Erin Brockovich has put herself under in order to achieve justice. Erin expresses her frustration by drawing attention to the hard labour and sacrifice she has endured, to ensure positive social change and compensation for the residents of Hinkley. This is reinforced in the quote, “Not personal?! That is my work, my sweat, my time away from my kids if that’s not personal I don’t know what is”. The lack of diegetic and non-diegetic music in the background, also calls the audience to focus on her words, which emphasises her emotion and the key message that hard work and determination is necessary in the path to obtaining justice.
Dialogue is further employed by Soderbergh to communicate this theme. Erin’s defensive stance is displayed in the quote following, “Don’t talk to me like I’m an idiot okay, I may not have a law degree but I’ve spent 18 months on this case and I know more about these plaintiffs than you ever will.”In this piece of evidence, Erin is demonstrated as protective of her intellectual capabilities and work ethic, against an insinuation made by the female lawyer. It is proved in the text, that Erin has made extensive research on the crucial matter and has sacrificed precious time away from personal responsibilities. She has done this in order to collect the necessary evidence to make a case against the company regarding their illegal and negligent use of hexavalent chromium. Through this piece of dialogue, Soderbergh successfully expresses how justice can be made a reality through hard work, determination and indomitable spirit.
Dialogue and a despaired tone is implemented by the director Soderbergh, in the character representation of Mrs Jenson. In the quote of evidence, Mrs Jenson enquires, “You think if you got no uterus, no breasts, you’re still technically a woman?” The
language utilised echoes the desperation and the excruciating agony, that this injustice has inflicted upon her and all victims of hexavalent chromium. Soderbergh’s use of dialect exemplifies how the crime of PG & E, has stripped Mrs Jenson of a critical foundation of her being, a part of her identity that it’s removal, has resulted in the immense harm of her self worth and dignity as a human being. The procedures she must now undergo, to ensure her survival, will leave traumatic scars both internally and externally.
The exchange of dialogue incorporated in this scene, espresses the time that Erin has sacrificed from her family, due to her sole focus on the investigation and court case against PG & E. As demonstrated in the quote, Erin states,
“We all ate together last night” to which her young son Matthew replies in an irritated tone, “You were reading the whole time”. This conversation directed by Soderbergh, truly emphasises the absence of Erin as a mother, in her determination to attain compensation for the hexavalent chromium victims. Erin was forced to surrender precious time with her children, even during their formative years, in order to prioritise her major responsibilities in the PG & E lawsuit. This implies to the audience, that the quest for justice requires hard work, determination and perseverance, even at the expense of ones own personal endeavours, goals and other responsibilities.
