Notebook Reviews: A CIVIL ACTION

Steven Zaillian – 1998

Written and directed by Steven Zaillian (based on a book by Jonathan Harr), A Civil Action is slick and enjoyable legal drama starring John Travolta and and Robert Duvall. 

Zaillian crafts some impressive atmosphere (you can really feel the cold) and the film has some realistic moments. If the 1998 release has a flaw, it’s that the legal aspect gets a little side-lined for the characterisation. It’s not enough to derail this well intentioned and well made drama.