A Civil Action (film)

A Civil Action is a 1998 American legal drama film directed by Steven Zaillian, based on the 1995 non-fiction book of the same name by Jonathan Harr. The film stars John Travolta, Robert Duvall, James Gandolfini, Tony Shalhoub, William H. Macy, and John Lithgow.

The film depicts a toxic contamination case in Woburn, Massachusetts, where several children died of leukemia due to contaminated drinking water. Jan Schlichtmann (Travolta), a personal injury lawyer known for his superficial charm and lucrative but relatively minor cases, reluctantly takes on the case. He is initially drawn in by the potential for a large settlement, but becomes increasingly invested in the pursuit of justice for the affected families, even as the financial and personal costs mount.

The film follows Schlichtmann and his small law firm as they litigate against two major corporations, W.R. Grace and Beatrice Foods, accused of polluting the town's water supply with industrial solvents. The legal battle is fraught with challenges, including underfunded resources, powerful corporate opposition, complex scientific evidence, and judicial rulings that limit their avenues of recourse.

A Civil Action explores themes of corporate responsibility, environmental justice, the David vs. Goliath struggle of individual plaintiffs against powerful corporations, and the personal sacrifices involved in pursuing a protracted legal battle. The film received mixed reviews upon release, with critics praising the performances but finding the plot somewhat dry and complicated. Robert Duvall received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Jerome Facher, the wily and experienced lawyer representing Beatrice Foods. While not a box office success, A Civil Action has been noted for its realistic portrayal of the complexities and moral ambiguities inherent in the American legal system.