spectacular storytelling

Rating: 10/10 (19 August 2010)

I am not normally a fan of mechanically moralistic films like this one. These are essentially feel-good movies; the perspective is that of a highly simplified morality play where good and evil are radically drawn. But this particular presentation is so expertly delivered that it blows your mind. The whole thing is composed with extreme care and grace. There is a harmony among writing, acting, music and photography that is unequalled in my experience. This is one of the finest American films ever made.
The point the film makes is that tobacco companies go to great lengths to deliberately make an addict of every consumer, and they go to equally great lengths to conceal the nature of their actions from the authorities as well as the public. In this film, both Crowe and Pacino's characters become "insiders" at some point, and each man is forced to confront his conscience and make a choice between his career and conscience. The story isn't very new, but the storytelling is absolutely incredible.