Erin Brockovich

Film Study

Question 1

Background and Appearance of Erin:

In the opening scene we are introduced to our protagonist , Erin Brockovich. The movie begins with Erin being rejected for a job as a dental assistant. Right at the beginning of the scene the viewer is exposed to the social prejudice that Erin is subject to. The asynchronous voice over in this initial scene portrays the doctor’s apathy through his monotonous and nonchalant tone as he questions Erin about her qualifications. We are then presented with a close up image of Erin. This direct focus clearly highlights specific features of Erin that we as a viewer need to take into account. Instantly, we are able to identify the fact that Erin is not suitably dressed for this job interview. Erin is dressed in provocative and tight clothing, leading audiences to stereotype Erin as an irresponsible single mother of the “trailer trash” variety. This scantily-clad dress code is scene throughout the entire movie. This creates a sense of prejudice as we as the viewer begin to look critically upon Erin as we believe her dress underscores the type of person we believe her to be - A promiscuous woman. This transcends further than her sexual exploits as the viewer immediately undermines Erin intellectually. We are also presented in the opening scene with a Dentist who is smartly made up and we believe that to be a mark of his intellect. However, Erin’s inappropriate clothing forces us to believe that she is uneducated and shallow as she is in direct contrast to a man who society believes is more educated and plays a larger role in the economy. Therefore, society deems him a better person.

The director then uses a close-up shot in the following scene where Erin is leaning against a wall; This filmic technique alludes to the idiom “having your back up against the wall”. The director then makes uses of a second close up, of Erin stamping out her cigarette, so as to suggest that she has “Hit Rock Bottom” and has been disregarded by society.

The opening 20 minutes further aids in the creation of prejudice when one is introduced to her Background.

Erin is a twice divorced mother of 3 who has never received tertiary education. Her seemingly inauspicious academic career has resulted in her not being able to find any form of employment. Her insignificance within society is emphasised when we move to the court room. The establishing shot in the court case scene makes Erin seems small, ostracised and vulnerable which reflects on her position in society as an unemployed, single mother. The opposition lawyer is quick to pounce on prejudice and he manages to sway the jury’s decision – he explains to the jury that the defendant is an E.R surgeon whilst Erin is an unemployed, single mother of three and is probably searching for an easy way to make money and ,therefore, he stereotypes her as an opportunistic, gauche woman.

However, the lawyer is basing his assumptions totally on conjecture and his views are a result of Erin’s supposed image not her true self. Nevertheless, we as the viewer are still prejudicial towards her as we believe that the ‘image’ is all that matters. The jury becomes a symbol of Society and it believes the way in which you dress and your background defines you as a person. She then loses the case as a result.

However, our assumptions of Erin are misplace as her Emotional intelligence and “Street Smarts” totally outweigh her lack of a formal education and her provocative dress code.

Behaviour and Speech:

In the opening scene Erin is placed in an unfortunate and awkward situation. She has to apply for a job which we can immediately see that she has no ability to possess. She has no real qualifications and this is promptly revealed when we see her ramble on about past experiences that will not in anyway help her get a job. Her nerves are exposed through her speech as it is times incoherent and illogical- She even believes that her past studies in Geology will assist her as a Dentist’s assistant. This emphasises the pressure she is under to provide for her kids but moreover it emphasises how she has no real qualifications and is unable to obtain one because she has no real formal education.

Erin’s behaviour and speech beyond this moment further creates a sense of prejudice because we as the viewer are revealed to her true character and not her superficial , desperate self.

Erin’s speech is colloquial and is impregnated with abusive language. She runs her mouth off when faced with difficult circumstances( e.g. Losing the court case or not being able to find a job.)

Erin’s behaviour is also thrown into the spotlight when we jump cut to the court scene. She is now in a dire situation that could be corrected should she win the case. Initially, it goes well with her giving an impassioned testimony on the stand ,however, when the lawyer attacks her precarious background , she immediately reverts to her aggressive self. She is blunt, truculent and instantly resorts to abusive language.

This court scene is set to expose the stereotypical and prejudicial standpoints we as human possess. The scantily clad Erin is in strong contrast to the debonair doctor. We then as the viewer are immediately aware of the prejudice and stereotypes that are being exposed as we know that Erin is not at fault. The Attorney for the doctor even uses these stereotypes to win the doctor the court case as he plays on the natural prejudice that we as humans possess- Ultimately it is the deeply ingrained social prejudices that allow the doctor to get off scot-free

1.2) Support for Erin: Film techniques and Dialogue.

After the disastrous interview we are taken to the street where we meet Erin once again. Her back against the wall. In the space of 3 minutes she has a Rejected job application, a ticket for a parking violation, Her car not functioning properly and then finally being smashed from the side by a brash ER Doctor. A comedy of errors that immediately compels us as the viewer to be sympathetic to our Protagonist.

Our Sympathy for Erin is inflamed by the knowledge that the ER Doctor ran a red light.The viewer was clearly able to see his error through the use of the long shot .When Erin pulled away the viewer was simultaneously able to see the traffic light which was centrally placed on screen and the wreckage that ensued. This light turned green and so Erin was legally able to cross the road. However, the reckless driver ran the red light and crashed into her car. Erin is then taken to court but because of inherent social prejudice she losses to the doctor because he is believed to be more truthful.