Product: The Insider [VHS] (1999)
Rating: 5.0
Intriguing....Insightful...Intense...Incredible!
When I rented this tape from Blockbuster, I didn't expect this picture to be as good as I realized it was after I watched it and thought about it. Many people have criticized the cinematography and pace of this film, but I found these to be all the m ore intriguing. Many times, the lack of light adds suspense and in my opinion, added much to this movie. While I don't think this movie was the best picture of 1999 (American Beauty clearly deserved this honor), it was the 2nd best. This is the kind of film that, with most, is either loved or hated. I hadn't been a particular fan of Michael Mann before, but this totally changed that. Mann's incredible interest to detail almost makes the film, and Pacino's performance, that some even consider lackluster, in my opinion nearly outshines others. Russell Crowe as Jeffrey Wigand probably deserved best actor, but Spacey in Beauty showed those same qualities as Pacino in this film; Pacino should have been up for, if not won, bestsupporting actor. Another award-caliber performance was Diane Venora's role as Crowe's wife, Liane Wigand-it was like she was real. This might be the feeling of the entire film-like it's real. Panoramic views and intense close ups make you feel like you're in there with Wigand and Bergman. With two of my top 5 choices in the Academy's as well, I feel this may have been one of those years where you can actually relate with the Academy's selections; the Insider totally supports this. Some may find it overly long, some may find it slow, but those with the intellectual capacity to sit still for twenty minutes will be pleasantly rewarded with a splendid movie. A strong five stars!