Erin Brockovich: Always Inspiring

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If you have had a bad day; if you belong to a clan who believe that there are just too many responsibilities to shoulder and nobody to help; if you think it’s best to just vanish into thin air – watch Erin Brockovich.

This feature film portrays the biography of an American legal clerk and environmental activist - Erin Brockovich. The movie captures her struggle with life. It is the story of a single mother of three with no great academic qualification and hence no job. The film takes us through her journey from the poor life she lived to the successful lady that she is now.

The ‘no-job-single-mother’ description probably gives you the image of a helpless domesticated woman who is uncertain of what to do. If that is the picture you have been sketching in your mind, then erase and start all over.

Erin is quite a unique character. She comes out bold. She dresses seductively and uses an array of foul language, which she is absolutely unapologetic about. However, she can more than surprise you too. She is the kind that grows on you. You realize that she is absolutely great with people, dedicated, hardworking, smart and zealous. Responsibilities don't choke her. In short, she is one hell of a woman! The movie is not just a tale portraying one’s battle with life. It portrays how a woman on a mission brings down a huge company to its knees.

On screen, Julia Roberts plays Erin Brockovich. There are no tight edges or loose ends. Take it from me – Roberts fits into the role perfectly. If it weren't a biopic, it would have been right to say that the character was chalked out for her. Erin Brockovich fetched Julia the Academy Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors' Guild Award and BAFTA for Best Actress. Quite well deserved!

The direction and editing, I believe, is brilliant. I like the crisp methodology adopted to give you a glimpse into Erin’s background. No flashbacks and no sad stories. Instead, they chose to capture it through an interview. What a brilliant thought!

The story follows a good flow and is a perfect balance of both Erin’s work and personal life. Steven Soderberg has been successful in bringing the right amount of both elements on screen. Julia has given an ace performance. I couldn't help noticing the repeated costumes that Erin wears, portraying her not-too-rich lifestyle. Albert Finney is amazing as Ed Masry. There is great onscreen chemistry between the both of them. The cast in totality have truly given soul to their characters. I particularly love the dialogues. There is profanity. Nevertheless, they do make you laugh. Kudos to the editorial team!

Speaking about dialogues, how can I miss this conference room scene? Julia’s dialogue delivery and the expression on each of their faces – perfect! Erin never gave scope for negotiation, did she?

I am sure everyone goes through moments when they disagree with their bosses. There would be instances in one's career when one thinks that the boss just didn't play it fair. 8 out of 10 people tend to take it out on everybody else except their boss. Therefore, we end up wishing we could be like Erin when we watch the scene where she yells at Ed. Also, I particularly like the way Erin handles the 'don't take it personal' advice, which again is a popular usage in the corporate world. Take a look!

Erin's dialogues in the scene when Ed and she hand over the signed documents to Mr. Potter is a personal favorite - it is totally wow and hilarious!

The climax scene has always succeeded in getting my eyes welled up. Julia does it so well. I am sure we don't even get to the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how happy and satisfied Erin, in real life, would have felt.

I am really fond of the subtle references that the movie makes - it's an advise to simply believe in yourself and your goodness to make it big. The confidence that builds when you love yourself is tremendous. I have lost count of how many times I have watched this movie. It continues to pep me up, soothe me down, impress and most importantly inspire me.