A Powerful and Under-rated Story

Rating: 10/10 (19 April 2000)

I can understand why the validity of the truth behind this film might be questioned. However, you have to realize that you have to see this movie for what it is: A powerful story about strength, hope and how an individual can overcome REALISTIC, overwhelming odds. Ironically enough, another film like this one was also overlooked by the academy, whose characters used hope and strength to survive more life-threatening situations: "The Shawshank Redemption".
From the movie's excellent direction (a superior ability to make a thriller without action and still maintain the quick pace), wonderful screenplay,haunting musical score and especially the fantastic acting) will be a film to be remembered for a long time.
The acting is incredible. Plummer's performance as Mike Wallace is frightenly real. Pacino finally gave up his screaming method-acting he picked up in "Scent of a Woman" and gave a subtle, energetic portrayal that is his best in years.
But the actor who gives the movie its heart is Crowe's Wigand. His is a performance that shows realistic struggles of what this man is going through and what he loses. And when he does get his emotional battle scars, he maintains his silent composure, but reveals his pain through his eyes. His is the best portrayal of "an ordinary man facing an overwhelming circumstance" and should be an example of how to face our problems like a fighter, not a victim.
I was extremely disappointed that he did not win for best actor. Although I am a Kevin Spacey fan, Crowe's was the most multi-layered, and the transformation was more thorough. Unfortunately, for the last 3 years, the academy has been blatantly showing that it's not the best performance that wins, but who is the most popular. 3 years ago, it was Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt who won for "As Good As it Gets", instead of Judi Dench for "Mrs. Brown" and Peter Fonda for "Ulee's Gold" (or Robert Duvall for "Apostle"). Then, 2 years ago: Gwyneth Paltrow for "Shakespeare in Love" and Roberto Benigni for "Life is Beautiful" instead of Cate Blanchette for "Elizabeth" and Nick Nolte for "Affliction" or Ian McKellan for "Gods and Monsters". Now, Kevin Spacey came out of the blue for "American Beauty", based on this popularity. The only redeeming factor was Swank winning for "Boys Don't Cry".
Again, I'm a fan of Spacey's, but Crowe, as well as many others in this film, were robbed of the recognition they deserved. Perhaps the inspiration that is generated from the film to the viewer is good enough.