Mark Ruffalo Goes For The Oscar Gold, In "Dark Waters," But Watch Out For Anne Hathaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                "Dark Waters" may seem like a male "Erin Brockovich," and it is, but comes off better, because Ruffalo is much more believable as a social activist than Julia Roberts.  Ruffalo has acting chops; Roberts, while talented, is limited, which is why it seems the only role she plays is Julia Roberts.

                                   And Mark brings a lot of depth to his role.  In activating to take down Du Pont Corporation for destroying a farming community with hazardous chemical waste, Ruffalo, who has never looked right since the 2001 tumor that left his face partially paralyzed, and deaf in one ear, plus the execution style murder of brother, Scott, in 2008, has plenty to channel into the role of activist, Robert Bilott.

                                  But wait till you see Anne Hathaway as his wife, Sarah.  She goes a 180 degree transition from hateful, bitchy retro 50's-60's housewife, to admired activist, herself.  I started out hating her, then grew to admire her.

                                   Then there is Victor Garber, as corporate honcho Phil Donnelly, who plays the most understated baddie I have ever seen.  Which is what makes him all the more dangerous.  Like the saying goes, it is the quiet ones you have to watch out for.

                                     Next to Ruffalo, Bill Camp, as William Tennant, the farmer who comes to see Bilott, and starts him on his way, gives the film's most impassioned performance, and I hope he is remembered for Supporting Actor, come Oscar time.

                                      Tim Robbins, Mare Winningham and Bill Pullen are on hand to, with solid performances.  What a cast of fine caliber actors; I haven't seen an ensemble like this, in ages.

                                        The biggest surprise of all is that Todd Haynes directed this.  He who specializes in Fifities retro--like "Far From Heaven," and "Carol," which all us girls loved, and brought style, as well as poached eggs and cream spinach, into our lives.  While I much prefer his retro work, Haynes does a wonderful job directing a very serious, devoid of humor, piece.  Maybe the early, bitch part of Anne Hathaway's character is his way of pleasing fans of his films, like "Carol."

                                           Some have compared this film to "Spotlight."  I would not go that far, and I am longing for Haynes to return to what he is best at, but this surprise gem is one of the more
thoughtful films I have sat through this year,  Amidst this cultural wasteland, that is quite an achievement!

                                              Cream, sugar, or lemon, with your tea, darlings???????????????????????