Power corrupts, Absolute power corrupts absolutely

Rating: 8/10 (30 November 1999)

If there ever was a blueprint for social corruption, the practices and belief systems of the tobacco industry are the quintessential finished product. If there ever was an argument against large corporations owning the media, this is one of the best. If anyone doesn't believe that the boardroom's of corporate America don't operate like this, they more than likely bet on professional wrestling matches too. Cigarettes are a delivery device for nicotine. Does it have to be said any clearer? And yet, we spend millions of public dollars to subsidize this industry, even after the industry admits it lied for years about its knowledge of the effects of smoking. In the future will the producer stand by his principles and be lucky enough to get the truth told or will we continue to live in ignorance of potential danger from products, people and organizations, because of the threat of lawsuits? This film should be mandatory viewing in every junior high school. It should stimulate debate with our young people regarding lessons in health practices, economics, politics and ethics. They will watch with interest because this is pretty well made movie. Russel Crowe performance is outstanding in a group of excellent actors. The script is fairly solid. Although, I think I got a little bit confused toward the end of the film on where Bergman was and what it had to do with the plot. However, this flaw didn't dull the impact of this highly tense and horrific slice of Jeffrey Wegand's life. It will not however show our junior high school audience good film technique. Michael, enough of the extreme wobbly close ups. I get it. You don't have to scream at me. I get it.