A masterful film that succeeds on every level

Rating: Null/10 (23 April 2001)

The Insider is a movie that should be treasured. In an age dominated by mindless action flicks that rely heavily on graphic violence and special effects, The Insider manages to maintain suspense for 157 minutes with not a single shot fired, not a single punch thrown, not a single drop of blood shed. The cinematography was breathtaking, the plot engaging, every performance Oscar-worthy.
While on the surface this movie seems to be plot driven, it is really a character drama. Russell Crowe plays Jeffrey Wigand, a chemist and former tobacco employee being pulled in different directions: on the one hand his knowledge of big tobacco, on the other hand the well-being of his family. Al Pacino plays Lowell Bergman, a 60 Minutes producer who's quest for the truth and dedication to his sources is put to the ultimate test as Wigand (Crowe) comes under fire by big tobacco and as his own network abandons their morals, leaving Wigand to fend for himself.
Russell Crowe gives an excellent performance, completely deserving of the Oscar nomination and (I thought) he should have won it. Crowe is subtle, every facial expression conveys the anguish that his character is going through. And Al Pacino gives a superb performance as always, delivering some though provoking and memorable lines with flair. Michael Mann directs, and his attention to detail is impressive. All in all, the Insider is a film that you will not soon forget.