A Civil Action Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A hotshot lawyer chases ambulances until a case about sick kids makes him realize that maybe water shouldn’t glow.

🍿 A Civil Action: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Case Begins

Jan Schlichtmann, a successful personal injury lawyer, initially focuses on high-profit cases. He’s approached by families in Woburn, Massachusetts, who believe their children’s leukemia cases are linked to contaminated water. Schlichtmann is initially reluctant but changes his mind when he discovers the potential for a major lawsuit against powerful corporations.

Digging for Evidence

Schlichtmann and his firm investigate, uncovering evidence that two corporations, Beatrice Foods and W.R. Grace, may have been responsible for the contamination. He takes on the case, believing he can secure a large settlement. However, the case becomes increasingly complex and expensive, straining the firm’s resources.

The Trial and Setbacks

The trial is a grueling battle against the corporations’ powerful lawyers. Schlichtmann faces numerous setbacks, including rulings that limit his ability to present evidence. Despite mounting debts and internal pressure, he refuses to settle, driven by a desire for justice and a belief in the case.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jan Schlichtmann (John Travolta): A successful personal injury lawyer who risks everything to pursue a case against corporations polluting a town’s water supply.
• Jerome Facher (Robert Duvall): The cunning and experienced defense attorney who represents Beatrice Foods, skillfully outmaneuvering Schlichtmann.
• Anne Anderson (Kathleen Quinlan): A determined mother who seeks justice for her son’s death due to leukemia caused by contaminated water.
• James Gordon (William H. Macy): Jan’s financially-minded partner who struggles to keep the firm afloat amidst the escalating costs of the case.
• Kevin Conway (Tony Shalhoub): One of Jan’s partners, initially hesitant about the case, but supports Jan’s decision until the very end.
• Judge Walter J. Skinner (John Lithgow): The judge presiding over the case, whose rulings significantly impact the plaintiffs’ ability to present their evidence.
• Al Love (James Gandolfini): A former tannery worker who becomes a key witness, providing crucial information about the illegal dumping of toxic waste.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jan Schlichtmann: “The odds of a plaintiff’s lawyer winning in civil court are two to one against.” – Jan narrates the opening, setting the stage for the challenges and risks of civil litigation.
• Jan Schlichtmann: “Trials are a corruption of the entire process.” – He explains his initial cynical view of trials, viewing them as a failure of settlement.
• Jerome Facher: “This case stopped being about dead children the minute it entered the justice system.” – Said to Jan, highlighting Facher’s amoral approach to the law.
• Jan Schlichtmann: “I want an apology, I want this place cleaned up.” – Jan’s demand shows his shift from money to justice for the families.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $75,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $56,709,981
• Worldwide Gross: $56,709,981

💥 A Civil Action Reviews

Personal Review

I watched this movie years ago and it still sticks with me. It’s not your typical triumphant courtroom drama, but a story about how complex and messy justice can be. The performances were amazing. Travolta as Jan Schlichtmann was excellent. It really made me think about the ethics of law and how easily things can go wrong. The scene that hit me the hardest was where the parents were talking about the kids suffering and pain.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of legal dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in environmental issues”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “People who like true story adaptations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Discussions of illness and death”
  • “Legal jargon”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some strong language”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A compelling legal drama that avoids courtroom theatrics for a more realistic portrayal of the toll a case can take. Travolta delivers a nuanced performance, showcasing the transformation of a cynical lawyer.
• RogerEbert.com: “Though it lacks the neat resolution of a typical Hollywood film, ‘A Civil Action’ is a powerful examination of the legal system and its limitations. Duvall is brilliant as the cunning opposing counsel.

Audience Reactions

The realistic portrayal of the legal process and the devastating impact on the lawyer’s life.: Viewers appreciate the film’s commitment to realism and its avoidance of typical Hollywood tropes.

Robert Duvall’s performance as the opposing lawyer is a standout and a fan favorite.: Duvall’s portrayal of the cunning and experienced Jerome Facher is consistently praised for its depth and nuance.

Overall Consensus: A well-acted and thought-provoking legal drama that prioritizes realism over traditional Hollywood tropes, offering a nuanced exploration of justice and its costs.

Awards

1. Blockbuster Entertainment Award (Favorite Supporting Actor – Drama)- 1999

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Jonathan Harr, which meticulously details the real-life legal battle.”
• “Several filming locations were in Northbridge, Massachusetts, adding authenticity to the story’s setting.”
• “The real Jerome Facher was reportedly very pleased with Robert Duvall’s portrayal of him.”
• “Director Steven Zaillian is primarily known for his screenwriting work, including Schindler’s List and Gangs of New York, making A Civil Action one of his rare directorial efforts.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Civil Action?

A Civil Action is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming options and availability as services may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Civil Action, you might like these similar films:

• Erin Brockovich (2000): Both movies tell the story of a determined individual fighting against a large corporation for environmental justice.
• The Insider (1999): Deals with corporate misconduct and a lone individual risking everything to expose the truth.
• Silkwood (1983): Explores themes of corporate negligence and the personal sacrifices made to uncover the truth about environmental and safety hazards.
• Dark Waters (2019): A more recent film about a lawyer who takes on a chemical company responsible for contaminating a town’s water supply.

🛒 A Civil Action Related Products

• A Civil Action [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in high definition with enhanced visuals and audio. Blu-ray version of ‘A Civil Action’. This blu-ray disc provides a crisper image and enhanced audio quality, making for an immersive viewing experience.
• A Civil Action by Jonathan Harr: Read the acclaimed non-fiction book that inspired the movie and delves deeper into the true story behind the Woburn case. The book goes into more detail than the film could ever hope to do.
• A Civil Action Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for decorating a home theater or office.
• You Need a Lawyer: Legal Trivia Game: Test your legal knowledge with the ‘You Need a Lawyer’ trivia game, inspired by famous courtroom dramas. This game focuses on legal terms and iconic cases from movies like A Civil Action. Sharpen your legal mind and challenge your friends in this fun and educational game.

🎧 Soundtrack

A Civil Action features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hard Workin’ Man” – performed by Captain Beefheart

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A Civil Action Objections

Ever wonder how much objections are really used in court? This video compiles the most iconic objections from ‘A Civil Action’. It’s actually pretty fascinating to see them all back-to-back!

A Civil Action End Scene

The ending to ‘A Civil Action’ is pretty thought-provoking. This video highlights the final scene and the appeals process. It really makes you think about how justice is served, or *not* served, in some cases!

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