Erin Brockovich

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However, we as a viewer know well and truly that it was not her fault and so we begin to support Erin who has been subject to the cruel prejudice that is deeply ingrained within a modern society.

Our support is also strengthened during the court case when the Doctor’s attorney is very critical of Erin and her past. He believes that she did it for the money and was not at fault in actual fact. He’s patronising and condescending tone coupled with his professional arrogance inflames our support for our highly scrutinised protagonist.

Her impassioned speech on the stand further strengthened our support for her. Her recounting of her tremulous past results in the viewer sympathising with her and her horrible situation. Nevertheless, Erin remains positive and constantly reassures us that all she wants to do is take care of her kids. This display of maternal love hits close to the heart as we , as viewers, can all relate to the love a mother has for her child and the means she is willingly to go in order to provide for them.

After the accident we are also presented with the injured Erin who has had to have an operation and is now in a neck brace. This incapacitated image of her which is emphasised with a close up to her face creates more support for Erin. This single mother who already seemed to have hit rock bottom has now reached a new low. We are inflamed with a deep sense of sympathy for her and the injuries (Both emotional and physical) that she has obtained.

The Montage is also a film technique that is used in the opening scenes. Her we are shown the lengths which Erin is willing to go to in order to find a job and provide for her kids. She is seen checking the classifieds and making phone calls to various companies in order to apply for a job.

However, this her attempts are futile as her lack of experience immediately puts her at disadvantage. The viewer now has increased support for her as we see a persistent Erin who is doing her damnedest to provide for her kids. Once again resulting in further support from the viewer.

We are then informed that Erin has managed to get a job at Ed Masry’s Law firm. However, he as the senior partner did not sign off on it. Ed then approaches Erin and enquires about her presence. Our protagonist now seems to have gained immense confidence as she scolds the boss right in front of his employees. She is now arrogant, assertive and aggressive. The clear antithesis of the passive Ed. However, when Erin realises that Ed is her last resort she quickly becomes timid and unimposing. The director then makes use of an “over-the-shoulder’ shot so that we as the viewer feel as though we are eves dropping on a personal conversation. She speaks under breath and begs Mr Masry for the job. This moment of vulnerability is ‘eaten up’ by the audience and we are now in full support of this Single Mother who has now Hit Rock Bottom and has to beg in order to survive. However, The theme of social prejudice and its effects on Erin is further perpetuated through her co-workers reactions to her : When Erin asks for clarification on the case she is working on a co-worker refuses by saying “I’m not prepared to do your work because you don’t know how”, in addition to this verbal abuse she is socially excluded. This image of her receiving the cold shoulder incites a huge amount of sympathy from the audience as we possess a huge amount of support for our dear Erin because we are able to see through the prejudices that manifest in the mind of society and how these assumptions are all solely based on gender stereotypes and inherent social prejudice.

Question 2 :

Erin’s social ineptitude is one aspect that underscores her contrast to Masry. Masry is a well-practiced lawyer who conducts himself professionally – both in behaviour and in his manner of dress. In stark contrast to Erin who lacks the professional composure of a member of the business world. The director contrasts the two characters through the encounters of confrontation:

In Frame A, Erin contrasts Ed Masry through dialogue. She is forthright and abrupt in stark comparison to the passive and flabbergasted Ed Masry. Her arrogant and condescending tone is juxtaposed to Ed Masry’s confused responses. Erin can also be abusive at times as she makes regular use of vulgar language. Again this is in direct contrast of the astonished Ed who can’t believe that this Lady is in his office and claims to have a job. Erin also regularly raises her voice in order to demonstrate the anger an tension that she is experiencing again contrasting Ed’s low, soft and passive voice.

In Frame A , Erin can also be compared to Ed Masry. Throughout Erin’s rant, Ed Masry is vulnerable and exposed. This is achieved because the director focuses in on Ed Masry’s facial expressions with a medium-close up. We as the viewer see it over the shoulder of Erin. So, We too are directly confronted and we feel the vulnerability and exposure felt by Ed. This then turns sides when Erin has to resort to begging for a Job and we listen over-the-shoulder of Ed Masry. Now, Erin is vulnerable and exposed. These feelings are both shared by Erin and Ed in desperate times. ( Erin fighting for a Job and ED fighting to understand).

In Frame B, We see Erin and Ed walk side by side down a street. Erin and Ed in this scene are both placed centre stage and they equally share the screen space with the director making use of symmetry. The use of the same camera angle and shot also provides the viewer with the feeling that there is some form of equality and unity between the comparable couple. They are both walking with coffee in hand.The director may have used the cups to symbolise power and to demonstrate that the power is shared and that both Masry and Erin possess it. They are also mid -conversation in this scene and we are confronted with them verbally sparring. This type of back and forth dialogue shows a direct comparison between the two individuals. They both possess strong personalities and this can be easily identified through their brief encounter in this scene. They can also be compared in body posture and swagger ; as Both are walking upright and with confidence.

In Frame C, Erin contrasts Ed Masry through dialogue. Ed Masry as the experienced lawyer does most of the talking in the interview as he is first chair in the case. Erin on the other hand is the silent onlooker who holds a constant death stare on the confronted lawyer.

However, when Erin does speak it’s because Ed Masry stumbles in his delivery. When she picks up perfectly where he left off it clearly shows the viewers that they complement each other very well as They are able to work in unison and share the burden of the case.

Erin and Ed can also be compared in their approach