It’s hard to believe it’s been a full 25 years since Julia Roberts won the Oscar for Best Actress for Erin Brockovich, but the math checks out! So, in her honor—and ahead of the Oscars this Sunday—we’re revisiting that little movie about a furious single mom in a crop top with a dream and a mountain of evidence about carcinogenic pollution. Here is every single thought I had while rewatching it:
That “Based on a true story” title card always hits.
Julia’s hair in this film is so big it practically has its own gravitational pull.
Are they in Texas?
No, right?
Oh, wait, it’s California.
Sorry, the hair height threw me off.
The sunglasses! The cigarette! The denim jacket! We’re talking Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy levels of smoker’s chic.
(But seriously, don’t smoke, kids.)
Obsessed with Erin’s pink car. (Or is it just a faded red?)
Oops, spoke too soon—someone just crashed into it.
This law office has major Canter’s Deli vibes.
Cleavage plus a neck brace… a bold look.
Ugh, $17,000 in debt? I hate America.
Cursing out this slut-shaming opposing counsel’s house.
“An ER doctor saving lives was the one out of control?” Bro, watch The Pitt. It happens.
A baby that shade of bright pink is never good news.
Oh yeah, I forgot the screenwriter (Susannah Grant) also wrote In Her Shoes, another favorite.
Erin pretending she’s not hungry so her kids can eat… single moms really do hold up the world.
Flashback time!
Gotta love Erin’s persistence.
…though Ed the lawyer clearly does not.
“I don’t need pity, I need a paycheck.” Period!
Annoying your way into a job… she’s so real.
Erin Brockovich, yell at me challenge!
Seriously though, this biker is hot.
Is that Aaron Eckhart?
It is, according to IMDb.
This “Bro, you’re not going to call me, be so for real” speech is iconic.
I mean, I’d call—I’m an unhinged bisexual who loves mean women.
Male bosses: never comment on how your female employees dress.
“It just so happens I think I look nice.” Exactly, bitch!
Oh, I would murder this babysitter.
Aw, they’re having burgers and milk with Aaron Eckhart!
Clearly he loves mean women too. That’s my brother in Christ.
Not a fan of the American-flag bandana, but… damn, he looks good.
I’m glad Erin has the same rule my mom had: if you ever get on a motorcycle, you’re dead—either from the bike or by my hand.
A man who works construction, makes good money, and actively offers to help… God, I see what you do for others.
Booooo, PG&E!
Love Ed for having phone sex with his wife in the office.
Ah, that San Bernardino haze.
“I hate lawyers, I just work for them.” Mood.
Ugh, the chromium. 🙁
Capitalism must fall.
Kinda love Erin’s visible-bra-strap-with-sleeveless-turtleneck look.
Flirting your way into getting proprietary documents? Yes, diva!
Getting fired for not showing up… relatable.
Not to ever give men credit, but Aaron Eckhart fixing the sink is cute.
My dog is very riled up by this scene of Erin yelling.
Oh, it’s so on between Erin and Aaron.
“You’re a very special lady.” Aw!
“Don’t be too nice to me, okay?” is, regrettably, a whole vibe.
Erin was RIGHT about the chromium! Suck it, Ed!
Extort him, baby!
And literal baby!
This baby is a great shield for Erin’s misbehavior.
(Which is all in the name of justice, I might add!)
God, this poor woman.
Aw, Erin tying Ed’s tie is cute.
OMG, this awful PG&E lawyer is the guy from Bones.
“Wow! Twenty-eight billion!” LOL.
Aw, this coworker turning on a light for Erin. 🙂
They’re starting to bend to her irrepressible, foul-mouthed charm. 🙂
God, this statute of limitations stuff is so dark.
Heels in a barn… Erin Brockovich, you are the realest alive.
Or, to borrow a phrase: I love you, alive girl.
God, I forgot how sad this movie gets.Well, babe, let’s not be fatphobic here. Erin is going full water scientist, and I’m here for it. Punitive damages—let’s go! Honestly, these court suits are so ’80s.
“By the way, we had that water brought in special for you all. It came from a well in Hinkley.”
Yes!
Men can be so weak. If you’re not into your girlfriend slaying it and earning well-deserved respect at work, then hit the bricks!
Hey, it’s Cherry Jones! Remember when she dated Sarah Paulson? I sure do.
Now for my favorite “screw you” speech of all time, where Erin humiliates these fancy lawyers by showing just how well she knows her clients’ cases. This is my version of the “Big mistake. Huge” moment from Pretty Woman.
“You want their diseases?”
I know that one buttoned-up redheaded attorney is feeling awful about herself right now, and I love it.
And Erin’s back with her team! Victory time! Well, sort of—as much as you can celebrate when you’re living with countless environmental illnesses.
Winning a case with your entire bra out…
Erin Brockovich, you will always be iconic.
$2 million for Erin 🙂
Ugh, I love cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About 90 Thoughts I Had While Rewatching Erin Brockovich
General Context
Q What is this 90 thoughts list
A Its a personal humorous and often critical running commentary of observations reactions and nitpicks someone had while rewatching the 2000 film Erin Brockovich
Q Is this an official analysis or review of the movie
A No Its a subjective and informal take more like livetweeting a rewatch It captures fleeting thoughts from plot points and character moments to dated filmmaking styles
Q Do I need to have seen the movie to understand it
A It helps as many thoughts reference specific scenes and characters However the questions and answers below explain the context for the thoughts mentioned
About Specific Thoughts
Q Thought 1 mentions an awkward hostile interview Whats that about
A This refers to Erins initial job interview at the law firm with Ed Masry Its famously tense because Erin desperate and unapologetically herself clashes immediately with the formal office environment and Eds skepticism
Q Why would someone have 90 separate thoughts Isnt that a lot
A For a passionate viewer its not A rewatch allows you to notice details in pacing dialogue costumes legal accuracy and how the film holds up over 20 years later Each scene can spark multiple observations
Benefits Purpose
Q Whats the point of reading someone elses viewing thoughts
A It can be entertaining like watching a movie with a funny friend It might also highlight aspects you missed or offer a new perspective on a familiar film making you appreciate it in a new way
Q Can this help me understand the reallife case better
A Only indirectly The thoughts are about the movies portrayal For a factual understanding of the real Hinkley groundwater contamination case against PGE you should consult documentaries or legal documents
Common Themes in the Thoughts
Q What kind of things do these thoughts usually cover
A Based on the example given they likely cover character motivations the realism of legal procedures Erins unconventional methods the films 90
