Goliath

A French chemical company is selling a pesticide that has worrying effects. Three people become entangled in a subliminal battle for the power of interpretation. Unfortunately it's not a new story, but one that has been with us repeatedly for what feels like five decades! But telling such stories remains an important necessity, whether it's about Monsanto and glyphosate, groundwater pollution (ERIN BROCKOVICH) or addictive cigarette companies (THE INSIDER).

Gilles LELLOUCHE as a patient lawyer, Emmanuelle BERCOT as a combative teacher and Pierre NINEY (again: GREAT!!!) as an unscrupulous lobbyist are entangled in the dispute over a toxic pesticide. This is less about tension and more about the difficulty of the level.

But it is interesting to see how naturally lobbyists like the one played by NINEY use internet trolls to destroy opponents. Whether a superstar like Ariana GRANDE can enjoy selling expensive concert tickets to such a wealthy parasite is another matter. But that's just how business works!

780,000 admissions in French cinemas, $5.767 million in the box office worldwide!

Not a wonderful movie but a good play by all the actors. Gilles Lellouche and Pierre Niney are very good in theirs characters.

Regarding the topic, it's a Frederic Tellier's movie with the Bads (companies & lobbies) and the Goods (ie activists). And the Goods have to win. Of course the topic about chemicals products is very interesting and the consequences on the health of farmers and neighborhood of the farms and the fields. But I don't like this kind of position, too unique. So, I don't know what thinking about this movie, if I liked it or I hated it.

Watch it to have your own opinion on it.

Frederic Tellier had used us to great films and topics, and this one proves what I just say. This is a thrilling drama and not a thriller. It is gripping, disturbing because it opens our eyes for those who don't know anything about the danger of chemical industries on our health. You could not find a more modern and in fashion topic, so close to reality, the danger for each of us in the future. It doesn't give you the desire to have children in such a world. It is a rather pessimistic film, but maybe not that hopeless. Great performances from beginning to the end and an excellent story telling and editing. You can compare it with Todd Hayne's DARK WATERS but you can prefer SILKWOOD, starring Meryl Streep. Same kind of topics and social issues. This is the nastiest character that Pierre Niney has ever played. I wished him to be smashed. His role is nearly the total opposite character he had in BOITE NOIRE.

Goliath isn't a 'great' film but it's an important story, well told. Terrific performances all around and excellent claustrophobic cinematography which helps create a tense atmosphere. For me, a couple of things let it down - some rather corny reaction shots of people laughing at the lobbyist's joke, and the sentimental ending over the credits. But the rest of the film far outweighs these minor flaws. Recommended.

Great film, great actors, very powerful. This film should be seen by everyone, to think about what we eat every day and the impact it has on other people. A must see.