Excellent legal drama

Rating: 10/10 (2 April 2001)

In The Insider, Russell Crowe once again proves his versatility as an actor. It's amazing how different he looks in this film from his other roles, particularly Mystery, Alaska and Gladiator. Here, he plays the part of Jeffrey Wigand, a man who is torn between his responsibility to uphold his agreement to keep his mouth shut about happenings with a gigantic tobacco company and his duty to inform the public of potentially harmful products. He was fired from his position as the head of research and development, and as he gingerly begins to speak to Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino), a spokesman from 60 Minutes, he begins receiving death threats aimed at himself and his family.
Crowe delivers yet another outstanding performance, as does Al Pacino, who flawlessly creates the type of character that his role calls for. Not only is this a very interesting story, but it also gives a very good look at how big business corporations work, with both the massive cigarette companies as well as the respected television show, 60 Minutes, being presented in a new light. The casting was perfect for this film, everyone delivered excellent performances. The legal thriller is an almost endlessly interesting genre, but The Insider puts a new twist on the almost overdone subject, resulting in an excellent film that should not be missed.