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Courtroom dramas are not often good cinematic experiences. And when they're based on a true story, it can allow waves of sentiment to strangle and overwhelm both script and directorial efficiency. Thankfully there is the odd exception and "A Civil Action" is as absorbing as it is fast paced.
Having a top-notch cast obviously helps and the quality acting on display here perfectly complements the beautiful cinematography. Most of the actors have little to do other than to react to John Travolta, so it's just as well that he's in similar form to his performance in "Primary Colors".
Here he plays a highly paid personal injury attorney. He's the king of the 'ambulance chasers' and his ruthless cynical streak has built up a successful law practice. On a personal scale he features in the '10 most eligible bachelors in Boston' list. So to keep up good PR he has to pay lip service to a case involving a small town with an unusually high infant mortality rate.
His intention is to get rid of the case as he cannot see how he can make money on it. But once he discovers that two major corporations have factories based near the local water supply he sees a big possible payday looming. Unfortunately for him, he gets too emotionally ambitious and before long he's way out of his depth.
His courtroom nemesis is the softly spoken Robert Duvall, who senses Travolta's peril and milks it carefully. A fine script from director Steven Zaillian gives all involved plenty to chew. And he cleverly intercuts courtroom scenes with other related events, so killing off any possibility of boredom developing.
