Brilliant Insider a Major Oscar Contender

Rating: Null/10 (11 December 1999)

Critics at large have their work cut out for them when it comes time to compile their top ten film list of 1999. This year has been extraordinary as far as high quality films go. One thing is for certain; "The Insider" will grace many a list. "The Insider" is not only one of the best films of the year, but of the past decade. There is no doubt that this superior film will rank in many Oscar nomination categories. "The Insider" is based on the 1996 Marie Brenner's Vanity Fair article "The Man Who knew Too Much" about Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, a cigarette research & development executive who was fired by the tobacco company he worked for. The film is a behind the scenes look at the events that took place that caused CBS's "60 Minutes" to blow one of the biggest stories of the decade concerning the negligence of the tobacco industry.
After Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe) is fired from his job, he is pressured by "60 Minutes" maverick producer Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino) and his own conscience to blow the whistle on the tobacco industry for misleading the public on the dangers of cigarettes. But at the last minute executives at "60 Minutes" decide to pull the plug on the interview segment between Wigand and TV news journalist Mike Wallace (Christopher Plummer). In the process Wigand, who went out on a major limb, has his life destroyed as he gets caught in the crossfire between the tobacco company and "60 Minutes". The tobacco company attempts to discredit him by exposing everything about his life and "60 Minutes" practically abandons him after deciding to cancel the segment, which might have a negative effect on the sale of CBS to Westinghouse. Producer Lowell Bergman was the only one from "60 Minutes" that managed to stick to his guns and a good portion of the film focuses on the relationship between Bergman and Wigand.
The true story in itself is a remarkable piece of drama with the high power villainous tobacco company, heroes Wigand and Bergman, the responsibility of journalism, etc. Director Michael Mann turns what is already a compelling story into a superb and brilliant piece of filmmaking. Although known for his stylish action sequences ("Heat", "Manhunter", "The Last of the Mohicans"), Mann does a masterful job with this intricate and complicated media event. The terrific script and cast make his job even smoother. Al Pacino heads an amazing cast of actors. Pacino, who I have always admired, sometimes lets his histrionics get in the way of his performances, but here in the character of Bergman, he give a understated and very focused performance, one of his best in some time. Mann seems able to rein Pacino in as he did with "Heat" and the result is obvious. But the true stars of this film are Russell Crowe and Christopher Plummer, both names, which should be mentioned during academy nominations. Crowe, who was so powerful and amazing in "LA Confidential", is just pure brilliant here as Wigand. Crowe plays this emotional problematic and complex character the complete opposite of his LA role by showing a man imploding from the outside in. He is just mesmerizing to watch as he deteriorates from the pressures that surround him, including his domestic life. A magnificent performance. Christopher Plummer, an excellent actor that we do not see enough of, is totally compelling as Mike Wallace. His monologue of "how he will be remembered" is truly moving. Playing a live personality is not an easy task for an actor and Plummer pulls it off flawlessly without even looking remotely or sounding like Mike Wallace. He captures Wallace perfectly and is so believable in the role. Others here do good work including Debi Mazar, who finally lets go of her tough New York gal that she is known for, unfortunately the talented Lindsay Crouse is wasted as Bergman's wife and Diane Verona does not fare very well in the unsympathetic role as Wigand's wife. Her performance seems out of place with the rest of the cast.
"The Insider" reminiscent of another great film, 1976's "All the President's Men" shows Hollywood at it's best. "The Insider" should be on every film buffs list. Highly Recommended. Ã— Ã— Ã— Ã— 1/2