Product: The Insider [VHS] (1999)
Rating: 5.0
Powerful and moving, not to be missed
"The Insider" is a riveting, gut-wrenching experience, which was largely ignored at the box office and got shafted in the Oscar race. Both of these occurrences are shameful because the public and the Academy failed to recognize one of the best of movies of the year (if not the best; I thought "American Beauty" was overrated), and probably one of the best movies of the 1990s.The most shocking aspect of "The Insider" is that it is all true. Everything portrayed on the screen actually happened (though enhanced for dramatic effect, of course). There is a man named Jeffrey Wigand (played by Russell Crowe), a former researcher at the Brown & Williamson (B&W;) tobacco company. Upon being fired for "creative differences," he tapes an interview with "60 Minutes" in which he states that Big Tobacco executives (lovingly referred to as the "Seven Dwarfs") lied to Congress when they testified that the nicotine in cigarettes does not cause cancer. Wigand's confession violates his confidentiality agreement with B&W; his severance package (including health benefits for his asthmatic daughter) is terminated, and he and his family are threatened. He risks everything to expose one of the most egregious social injustices of our time--and CBS was not going to even air his interview for fear of being sued by B&W.; As you are watching, ask yourself, "If you were in Wigand's position, would you do it?" Then you will see what courageous and driven man he must be.All of these feelings and emotions come out in Russell Crowe's power-packed, dynamite performance. He completely loses himself in Wigand's personality, and gives a heartfelt portrayal of a man trying to do good, but pushed back and tormented every step of the way. Crowe brings you along with him into Wigand's world, takes you into his personal hell, and eventually leads you out. Dramatic performances don't get better than this.Equally powerful is Al Pacino as a "60 Minutes" producer who fights to get Wigand's interview on the air. He is equally passionate about journalistic integrity and moral obligation, and steps into the ring with CBS execs to ensure that the truth is heard. He will not rest until the job is done, and will not accept no for an answer. He is believable, likeable and righteous; the scenes where he tries to earn Wigand's trust are awesome (he and Crow have good chemistry). This is Pacino's best turn in years.Kudos also to Christopher Plummer as "60 Minutes" anchor Mike Wallace, and to director Michael Mann for his gritty, no-nonsense filming."The Insider" was nominated for 7 Oscars (including Best Picture, Best Director for Mann, and Best Actor for Crowe), and did not win a single one. I would have nominated Pacino for Best Actor, and Plummer for Supporting Actor, and would have actually handed out a few. The performances of each, especially Crowe, are worthy of Oscars. "The Insider" is a long film, but well worth it. It is a movie everyone should see; it will change how you view the world.