Stunning and Impressive.

Rating: Null/10 (2 October 2000)

**********THE INSIDER**********
The Plot: Balls-out "60 Minutes" producer Lowell Bergman sniffs a story when a former research biologist for Brown & Williamson, Jeff Wigand, won't talk to him. When the company leans hard on Wigand to honor a confidentiality agreement, he gets his back up. Trusting Bergman and despite a crumbling marriage, he goes on camera for a Mike Wallace interview and risks arrest for contempt of court. Westinghouse is negotiating to buy CBS, so CBS attorneys advise CBS News to shelve the interview and avoid a lawsuit. "60 Minutes" and CBS News bosses cave, Wigand's hung out to dry, Bergman is compromised, and the CEOs of Big Tobacco may get away with perjury. Can the truth will out? 70%
The Acting: The Insider has a brilliant cast, everyone is well chosen for the role, and they all pull off stunning performances. Russell Crowe is believable and touching and Wigand, he earned his Academy Award Nomination. Crusty wise guy Al Pacino is also excellent, he deserves praise for his role. The supporting cast which includes Marie Kate Eisenberg, Christopher Plummer, Philip Baker Hall and Diane Venora are also very convincing. 87%

The Screenplay/Directing: Michael Mann, the director/writer of 1995 smash-hit Heat, again comes up with another awesome screenplay, co-written by the stunningly impressive Eric Roth. His direction skills once again shine, and you can tell Mann will be a big hit in the future. 84%
Other: The Insider also has stunningly lovely music, great sound and some really nice cinematography. 66%
Overall: The Insider is another stunning 1999 drama. It deserves all the praise it can get, and more. It is a truly beautiful, nail-biter of a true story worked to almost-perfection. 83%
**********THE INSIDER 83%**********