PERCY VS GOLIATH

Canada, 2019, 99 minutes, Colour.

Christopher Walken, Roberta Maxwell, Cristina Ritchie, Zach Braff, Luke Kirby, Martin Donovan, Adam Beach.

Directed by Clark Johnson.

Percy versus Goliath is not the first film version of this particular case, canola farmer in the Canadian midwest, Saskatchewan, Percy Schmeiser and his legal and moral battle with the giant Corporation, genetically modified crops, Monsanto. There had been a 2009 documentary, also using the David and Goliath symbolism,  Percy Schmeiser, David versus Monsanto, a 65 minute film featuring Percy himself (who died in 2020).

One might say that this is such a focus on farmers, crops, financial issues that it may not be of great interest in itself for “city slickers”! Unless, of course, they are willing to be caught up in significant social issues, the influence of huge corporations, the victimisation of individuals. (And, in 2020-2021, there have been a number of films taking up these issues, Crisis and the and the pharmaceutical companies, futuristic satire about technology control, Lapsis,).

Audiences who think of Canada in terms of the cities in the east or Vancouver, or all Canada and the Rocky Mountains, might be amazed at the vistas of the vast fields, the crops, flat as far as the eye can see. And, it is interesting that this is a Canadian film about a Canadian issue (albeit with a number of American actors) and that it is a Canadian David-character who confronts and who experiences success against the giant, imperial and imperious global corporation.

A great deal of the impact of the film depends on the excellent performance by Christopher Walken, always a significant screen presence, this time believable as an ordinary farmer, descendant of migrant families, respecting the generations, respecting the land, studying the seeds, successful with his crops. He is supported by his loyal wife, Louise (Roberta Maxwell). He is Percy Schmeiser.

When Percy received correspondence from Monsanto, accusing him of breaking patent, of using Monsanto’s patent for genetically modified seeds for canola, he defends himself. The corporation is relentless, even demanding compensation if crops have been influenced by modified seeds blowing from other fields. The screenplay certainly develops this confrontation into a David versus Goliath battle, the shrewd and simple man standing his ground (for his crops and ground), giving speeches, receiving affirming correspondence and donations, persuaded by campaigner, Rebecca (Cristina Ricci) to travel to India and speak, an extraordinary experience for Percy, the contrast between India and its people, its vastness, corporations taking land, farmer suicides, and his life in Canada.

Zach Braff, with a limp and walking stick, plays Jackson Weaver, the local lawyer that Percy consults and who spends years working with Percy, local hearings, the appeals court and, with Percy’s final fierce determination, taking the case to the Supreme Court in Ottawa.

There have been many films about campaigners against corporations (think Erin Brockovich), there have been protests against destruction of the environment. Percy versus Goliath can take its place amongst this cinema gallery of fights for social causes.

1. A true story? The documentary from 2009? And dramatising of the characters and events, issues?
2. The Canadian film, the midwest settings, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the vast open and flat fields? The crops? Homes, Barnes? The contrast with the court proceedings, local, provincial, Supreme Court? The musical score?
3. The visit to India, characters, the meetings, the local farmers, the discussions about Monsanto and corporations, the exploitation, farmer suicides? The visual and dramatic contrast between Canada and India?
4. Percy’s story, Christopher Walken’s screen presence and performance? The long marriage to Louise? Relationship with Peter, his wife, granddaughter, the granddaughter wanting to be a farmer, Peter not? The work collaboration with Alton Kelly? Friendship?
5. Percy’s background, the ancestors migrating to Canada, the farmers, the crops, the keeping of seeds, the developing of seeds, Percy keeping his seeds for decades? The church sequence, going out for the crop? Hard work, way of life?
6. The letter, Monsanto and the accusations, wanting samples, Percy warding trespasses off? Going to see Jackson Weaver? Discussions, prospects? Percy and his stances, Louise’s support?
7. The hearings, Monsanto lawyer, seeming friendly, the arguments? Losing the case? The prospect of losing the farm, the crops?
8. Monsanto’s case, genetically modified crops, patents, accusations of stealing? Percy and the explanation of seeds blowing from other paddocks? The testing of samples, the experts, blaming Percy?
9. Rebecca, her crusading background and personality, at the court, the discussions with Percy, his reluctance? Organising the campaigns, the talks, the donations coming in? National interest? The trip to India, Percy reluctant, the issue of the money and cashing the donations? Louise unwilling, her collapse?
10. Percy and the experience of India, the talk, the South African saying livelihood depended on genetically modified crops? The contrast with the Indians? Percy urging them not to fight amongst themselves? His tour, the farm, his eyes opened?
11. The decision to keep fighting, to the next court, Jackson Weaver, two years of work? Monsanto and the increased number of lawyers? The issues for the appeal? Refused?
12. Percy, the interviews, the support and donations, mail? Suspicions at home, change of heart? The dangers for the local farmers and their dependence on Monsanto? The decision to go to the Supreme Court?
13. The discussions with Jackson Weaver, his resigning, Percy tearing up the resignation? His studies in preparation for the case? The media? Waiting the decision? Partial success? The issue of genetically modified wheat, Monsanto, no progress with this issue?
14. The falling out with Rebecca? Her watching the television, coming to Louise to apologise?
15. Percy and his achievement, the David and Goliath symbolism?