Al PacinoThe Insider [DVD] [2000]

Well displayed true story of the danger of smoking

The InsiderAs is my wont, let's get one or two things out of the way at the outset. Is this Al Pacino on top form? Perhaps not. Is Crowe's performance a bit mannered? Perhaps. Is (the always brilliant and usually underrated) Diane Venora a slightly unsympathetic Leanne Wigand? Almost certainly. But none of this matters because Mann has his eyes fixed firmly on a bigger prize, the prize of effectively, dramatically and ultimately, successfully recounting a version of one of the most important fables to the human condition. An earlier version of it might be the biblical take of man who crossed the road, 'The Good Samaritan'. This late version is all the more important because it is based on actual events.The Insider tells the true story of tobacco company scientist and corporate whistle-blower Jeffery Wigand (Russell Crowe) and his decision to 'tell the truth', thereby unleashing the full force of corporate spite against him and his unsuspecting family.Lowell Bergman (Pacino) is the producer of American news show 60 Minutes, who has fanned the flames of Wigand's desire to 'do the right thing' against all odds and who has promised to help get the story out into the open.Wigand and Bergman respectively consider themselves scientist and journalist in the best senses, but the rug is pulled from beneath them both as they progressively discover that doing the right thing means alienating themselves from the world they thought they knew. Both men end up losing virtually everything but they retain their 'honour' and ultimately exhibit a heroic if quiet morality, which Michael Mann's film throws into sharp relief by juxtaposing it with the conduct of all around the two men.The supporting cast (especially Christopher Plummer) is astounding and the way in which Mann's direction uses the camera, editing, sound and the actors' performances to convey the inner conflict that each man faces- the choice between being true to oneself and ones profession (a recurring theme in almost all Mann's work) and compromising to protect not only your own interests but those of your loved ones- as well as the considerable external obstacles.'''You are an anarchist !' Pacino's boss yells at him.In the end Wigand wrecks his own life and Bergman burns allhis bridges to get the truth out, leading to one of the most satisfying conclusions in all Cinema (in my opinion).There is no sex or violence (a staple of most modern cinema, particular that of Michael Mann) but your senses are constantly assaulted throughout the film as the tension never lets up.This in my opinion is Mann's best film (and the others are pretty great) displaying most clearly the values he always refers to In his films.Its in my top 5.

A 160-minute film about the airing of a TV interview with a taciturn endocrinologist? Yes please! Michael Mann does Heat but with (almost) no violence and yet somehow so many more lives on the line. (It's still men emoting to each other and women barely even sketched into the story.)Nearly 25 years on, the pacing, music (trip hop, Lisa Gerrard) and editing feel very last century, but they are also the strengths of the film: a long, languid shot of our 'hero' sitting in a car on his way to a deposition while a lone banjo plays is a masterpiece of slow-burning tension. Who knew that travelling to a deposition could be so dramatic?And yes, the film is about one of the biggest corporate crimes in history. Who would have thought that Mississippi would be the place to loosen the grip of big tobacco?

The Insider. One of the very best film's ever made. My favourite Al Pacino performance. My favourite Russel Crowe performance after A Beautiful Mind. My favourite Christopher Plummer performance. It's a master class in acting and direction. In my top 5 film's of all.

The film though using dramatic licence to beef-up the on-screen story is based on real events.'Jeff Wigand' (Russell Crowe) a research biologist had been let-go by Tobacco-Giant 'Brown andWilliamson' but, in return for generous severance-pay had been asked to sign a confidentiaiityclause preventing him making public what he knew in regards to addictive substances in theproducts sold.However, CBS's 60 minute Journalist 'Lowell Bergman' (Al Pacino) realizes there to be a bigger storythan he'd first thought when 'Jeff' refuses to talk to him.After a series of assurances 'Lowell' persuades 'Jeff' to agree to be interviewed which will lead tofurther strains upon his already shaky marriage.With treats hanging over him from the Tobacco-Giant he goes ahead.However, CBS is/ about to be taken over by Westinghouse who express concerns over probable legalmoves costing millions by the Tobacco-Giants, the 60-minute bosses cave-in and with-hold he airingof the interview causing much stress to 'Jeff' and much anger from 'Lowell' and indeed his colleagueat CBS 'Mike Wallace' (Christopher Plummer)Will the CEO's of the Tobacco-Giants get away with perjury or will the truth finally be told?A very well made movie from Michael Mann that will keep you glued to the screen as the story unfolds.

Loved this movie -it is a true story and very interesting that big tobacco companies are still going strong even though their devious tactics are exposed! Excellent acting and good characters. Would recommend...

This movie highlighted how far big business may go to protect profits but also how important it is for every individual to stand up for what they believe. The fact that this series of events actually took place had so much more impact than fiction would have done. Pacino and Crowe we're excellent.

I really enjoyed this151 min REGION B/2 DVD that is based on a true story. Russell Crowe and Al Pacino play the leading roles and played their characters very well. Parents should be aware that the film does include some bad language. The film based on the story of a tobacco executive Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe) who is dismissed from his job as a research chemist. Although he signed a confidentiality agreement he turns whistle blower, comes under personal and professional attack when he decides to appear on a 60 minute TV program criticising his former employees.The question is will the truth come out.