Susan Granger’s review of “North Country” (Warner Bros.)
Charlize Theron’s buzz-worthy, accomplished performance will surely take its place alongside “Erin Brockovich,” “Silkwood” and “Norma Rae,” illuminating the essence of sexual harassment.
In 1989, when single mother Josey Aimes (Theron) returns to her hometown in Northern Minnesota, she’s desperate for a job. With two kids by two different men, she’s intrigued when an old friend (Frances McDormand) tells her she can make a good living in the iron mines. It’s dirty, difficult work and her parents (Sissy Spacek, Richard Jenkins) disapprove, but Josey is determined. So when the on-the-job insults, innenuendos, pranks and persecution are too much to endure, she turns to a local lawyer (Woody Harrelson) who suggests filing an unprecedented class action lawsuit for sexual harassment. Problem is: her female co-workers won’t support her.
Written by Michael Seitzman, the story is a fictionalized account of a real-life lawsuit, and director Niki Caro brings it to life with style and substance. Like “Whale Rider”- about a young Maori girl – Caro once again focuses on the concept of female strength, while Chris Menges’ cinematography captures the poignant, pivotal atmosphere of time and place. Proving her remarkable versatility, Charlize Theron delivers an edgy, deglamorized performance with an appealing, richly detailed mixture of insight, resolve and uncertainty. She’s the perfect no-nonsense actress to bring this woman to life. It’s no light compliment to say that she surpasses her memorable “Monster.” Frances McDormand is authentic and pitiful, while Richard Jenkins’ carefully calibrated role has the gentle shadings of a watercolor. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “North Country” is a powerful 8, beautifully filmed and quietly moving.
