Dark Waters is a well made, legal drama that’s in the same vein as 1999’s The Insider and while I don’t feel it’s as effectively directed by Todd Haynes, it is still well worth checking out.
Dark Waters
(2019)
Genre(s): Drama, Legal
Universal Pictures | PG13 – 127 min. – $34.98 | March 3, 2020
Date Published: 04/07/2020 | Author: The Movieman
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Universal Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post.
The opinions I share are my own.
THE MOVIE — 3.75/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: Tenacious attorney Rob Bilott (MARK RUFFALO) uncovers a dark secret that connects a growing number of unexplained deaths to one of the world’s largest corporations. While trying to expose the truth, he soon finds himself risking his future, his family and his own life. Quick Hit Review: Dark Waters is a well made legal drama from director Todd Haynes, the filmmaker behind a couple decent dramas like Carol and I’m Not There, that at times reminded me of Michael Mann’s The Insider with the personal journey and sacrifices by a main character and a fight for justice against a corrupt corporation (or organization). Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins and Bill Pullman give good performances while Anne Hathaway, who is fine in her own right, did seem underutilized in a rather thankless role as Ruffalo’s wife and partner. That said, still worth checking out, if only via rental or even streaming as it is an important story and beyond that, Ruffalo gives yet another solid performance. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.0/5 |
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This release comes with a semi glossy, title-embossed, slip cover. Inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy. Not a ton of features which is common nowadays, but there are three featurettes: Uncovering Dark Waters (5:38), The Cost of Being a Hero (5:01) and The Real People (2:28), all with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with members of the cast and crew. |
VIDEO – 4.5/5 |
| Dark Waters comes to Blu-ray presented with a 2.39 widescreen aspect ratio and a 1080p high-definition transfer. Stylistically, through cinematographer Edward Lachman (The Virgin Suicides, Erin Brockovich), is a dark (no pun intended) looking movie, with a mix of both cool and warm tones depending on the environment, so colors are certainly muted in keeping with the serious topic. Still, detail was sharp and nicely defined and the natural refined noise has been retained. |
AUDIO – 4.5/5 |
| While this is a talky movie where all dialogue is centrally located, for a drama this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is dynamic and has some respectable depth with some moderate bass kicking in at key moments, and ambient noises – either Marcelo Zarvos’s score or off-camera elements – making up the front and rear aspects. |
OVERALL – 4.0/5 |
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Overall, Dark Waters is a well made, legal drama that’s in the same vein as 1999’s The Insider and while I don’t feel it’s as effectively directed by Todd Haynes, it is still well worth checking out for a great performance from Mark Ruffalo, though Anne Hathaway was underutilized. |