An encounter

Rating: 9/10 (9 August 2009)

Film review: The insider
An encounter between two honest men who dedicate their lives seeking "truth" in their jobs - this is the plot of The Insider, a film directed by Michael Mann. In one part of this story the chief protagonist is a journalist who believes that news may change the way people perceive the world. This man is Lowell Bergman and he produces the TV show 60 minutes. The second main character is Jeffrey Wingand, a chemist who worked as executive and researcher for big corporations, including one of the biggest tobacco companies. Just after being fired from his last job, Wingand starts thinking of the crooked strategies used by the tobacco industry to addict its consumers. Wingard and Bergman are both constrained by corporate rules yet they must fight against them to maintain their own principles. Maybe they simply know too much and can't hide certain company secrets anymore. In reality, Jeffrey Wingand did indeed denounce certain claims made by the US tobacco industry. He stated that the tobacco CEO's knew exactly what substances were inside each cigarette. Wingard's testimony was the first step toward changing the relationship between the US government and the tobacco industry. It was also a big media event planned and detailed by an unknown producer of one of the biggest US TV shows. Besides this true story, The Insider focuses on the personal drama in which the characters are driven by moral conflict. Both Wingard and Bergman expose their choices in obtaining their victory. They were ordinary people under extraordinary pressure. On the other hand, they also gave up vital everyday values, such as security and stability. It is not by chance that Wingard's wife asks him for a divorce. For his part, Bergman quits after working more than a decade for 60 minutes. Their personalities and values clash with corporate regulations and their employers react in a hostile manner. Wingard and his family are pursued and investigated. Bergman is not allowed to show his program as he wished. All the professional and ethical values to which they dedicate their lives suddenly disappear. From the corporation's point of view, business and law are more important. In other words, the professional status and security they enjoy appears to be a company possession.