The
Insider
(1999)
Rated: R
Runtime: 2 Hours and 38 Minutes
Reviewer: Jones
Grade: A+Every now and again we all watch movies for some reason that is unbeknownst to us. You know the ones. The ones you go into thinking: "Why am I doing this? I could be watching "Eyes Wide Shut" again instead." For me, "The Insider" was one of those movies.
This was a film that I had little,or no, desire to see in the theater. In retrospect, I think I felt this way due to being bludgeoned to death by the film's trailer for months on end. All that aside. This past Tuesday when the film was released on DVD, I was there to pick it up. I guess the effects of the trailer had worn off by this time. And, even though we can collectively agree that the Academy's heads aren't screwed on straight, I figured it got nominated for seven Academy Awards......So why not? Even the Academy gets things right every now and then. This just so happens to be one of those times.
"The Insider" delves into the world of "Big Tobacco" and it's effects on one man, and one nation.
Jeffrey Wigand, played masterfully by Russell Crowe, gets fired from his job as at a large tobacco company. He is then contacted by Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino) of CBS news, after a package of "insider" information on "Big Tobacco" arrives at his house. Wigand is then coerced by Bergman, while his former company tries to keep his mouth shut with the confidentiality agreement he signed.
After he receives death threats, and has had his personal life crumble around him. Wigand decides to hit "Big Tobacco" where it hurts: network television. What follows is an interview with Mike Wallace (Christopher Plummer), that has the potential to land a crushing blow to the tobacco industry.
The problem is, that "Big Tobacco" doesn't want the proverbial whistle blown on their operations. So they start a smear campaign on Wigand and strongarm CBS into altering the piece in order to avoid a lawsuit. The piece is altered after all, but Bergman, jump ship, in fear of what might happen. By this time, Wigand's life is in pieces, but Bergman continues to defend him against heavy opposition to the very end.
I was so amazed when watching this film. It is for lack of a better word.....Flawless. I cannot name one bad performance. You actually believe that Crowe is Wigand, and Pacino is Bergman. Personally, I would have to say that Pacino is the best I have ever seen him, in the role of Lowell Bergman. Another top-notch performance that has been overlooked by many, is that of Christopher Plummer as Mike Wallace. Normally I would look at him and think: "Hey! It's the guy from "Dragnet"." But not this time. Not once during the film did that thought cross my mind. He is Mike Wallace, in much the same way that George C. Scott was Patton.
Those performances aside, I have to say that Russell Crowe is simply amazing as the "whistle-blower" Jeffrey Wigand. Here he makes his performance in "L.A. Confidential", look Seagal-like in comparison. He plays a man who loses everything, in order to do what's right. A role that has been done before, but usually not very well. Crowe is the exception to the rule, as he goes through these ordeals he totally immerses the viewer in his role.
I would love to cite certain scenes that are symbolic of his overall performance, but his performance is so "perfect" that it would seem improper to single out any one, or two, particular moments that define his role. Personally, I think he was robbed of an Oscar. I campaigned for Spacey all year, and was happy that he won, but having seen "The Insider," I now realize that I was backing the wrong horse.
Out of the five nominees for best picture this past year, "The Insider" is the pick of the litter without question. If you have not seen this film yet, you are making the same mistake that I did. I rectified my mistake. I hope you will choose to rectify yours.
Reviewer: Erik
Grade: A+
Michael Mann's "The Insider" is a stand-up-and-cheer kind of movie where the truth is just waiting to be told, and you can't wait until it is. Heroes are born, whether someone just wants to tell the truth or someone wants to fight for what they believe in. I'd go so far as to put this on a level with "JFK", another spectacular movie that may not have been the most accurate but captures you from the get-go in the quest for truth.
"The Insider" stars Al Pacino as Lowell Bergman, producer for the show "60 Minutes." One day he receives documents on cigarettes and fire safety, and needs someone to interpret the information for him. He's referred to Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe), a former top scientist with Brown & Williamson, the third-largest tobacco company in the country.
Bergman knows something is up with Wigand. Wigand was recently fired and repeatedly discusses his confidentiality agreement with B&W. When B&W adds an addendum to Wigand's confidentiality agreement, Wigand storms out of the room, refusing to sign it. Death threats soon follow, and Wigand feels he better talk before it's too late.
It won't be easy to get Wigand out of his confidentiality agreement, so Bergman arranges to have him testify at a case in Mississippi, where he'll be forced to provide truthful testimony in a public forum, thus making the information public record.
It doesn't happen that easy. But, when it does, CBS hesitates to air the interview with Wigand and Mike Wallace (Christopher Plummer) because of reasons having to do with the sale of the company. Helen Caperelli (Gina Gershon), a lawyer, says the piece will not air. Don Hewitt, (Philip Baker Hall) the head of "60 Minutes", falls in line as well. Bergman takes a stand, assuming that Wallace is on his side. He's wrong.
Bergman is ready to fight. He promised Wigand that the piece would air. Wigand has sacrificed his marriage, his new job and his reputation to be heard. Wigand's life has fallen apart. If anything, he wants people to know why he was willing to lose so much to talk.
"The Insider" is sparked by two amazing performances, one from Crowe, the other from Pacino. Crowe's performance is so good because it's true. He wants to talk, yes, but he goes through the same feelings of anger, fear and pain that anybody would in his shoes. Pacino flies the flag for truth, fighting to uphold promises he makes and willing to get the word out whether it's for CBS or for someone else.
"The Insider" is a smart movie that shows us the ethical and moral questions involved in the field of journalism, as well as the doggedness of those in the field who are simply trying to spread the truth. And yes, you can't help but feel for the characters too.
Reviewer: Dale
Grade: A
The one thing about this movie that really impressed me is something which neither of my colleagues have even touched upon: the cinematography. The way this film is shot is absolutely gorgeous. Every shot is simply a wonder to behold: the sight of the ocean in the background as Wigand (Russell Crowe) fights with his conscience is perhaps the most perfect visual statement: here is this lone man standing before an ocean of dishonesty, corruption and greed. That moment was one of my favorites.
I don't know which I liked better, this film or "Heat". Both are excellent entertainments (the word "entertainment" does not quite seem enough to describe either movie). They are long movies, and you can tell that you have been sitting for three hours, but there is not a moment you would want back. Think of it this way: you could watch "The Insider" or two David Spade movies. You make the call. Yes, "The Insider" is long, but there is not a moment that is less than captivating.
I won't bother recalling the plot for you. Likely, you have already read two reviews that describe that part in ample detail. But I must comment upon the performances of the two leads. Russell Crowe, like Robert DeNiro and Robert Duvall, is one of those great actors that just sink into the skins of the characters they portray and inhabit them as if they WERE those people. Pacino is fine in a restrained performance here. He is more disciplined here than he has been in years, and the tightness of his performance demands to be commended. He is a live wire, filled with fury and righteous indignation here. I must also mention Diane Venora, who plays Wigand's long-suffering wife. She also sinks into her meaty role and makes the absolute most of it.
This movie is an actor's paradise, providing everyone with an opportunity to shine and show their stuff. It is also a daring, penetrating insight into the nature of truth, as well as the nature of heroism. Russell Crowe is playing a real hero here. A man who does not dodge bullets or defuse bombs, but he is trying to save lives in his own way. He is a man who stands up for what he feels is right, even if it means that he will lose most everything he cares about.
I did not quite love "The Insider" as much as my two comrades did, but I would still recommend anyone to charge out and rent this film (hell, BUY it, what else are you going to do with the money?) as soon as possible.