Product: The Insider [VHS] (1999)
Rating: 5.0
Adam Smith and the tobacco Industry
The moral philosopher and economist Adam Smith warned that businessmen are inclined to collude together to defraud the consumer. Indeed, the foremost champion of capitalism did not shy away from the reality of human nature. Legitimate self interest regretfully sometimes deteriorates into vile and despicable behavior. The Insider primarily deals with the moral corruption of the tobacco industry. Russell Crowe brilliantly portrays Jeffrey Wigand, the real-life scientist who blew the whistle regarding the lies told to the general public. The latter were deceived into believing that tobacco products were not really all that dangerous. Alas, Wigand pays an enormous price for this act of courage. He trusts Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino), a producer for Sixty Minutes to put his story before the American people. The top executives at CBS NEWS, however, are reluctant to rock the boat. We are soon disgusted by their kowtowing to the powers that be within the board rooms of the major tobacco companies.The movie admittedly is not a completely accurate depiction of the actual events. Nonetheless, it's still loyal to the main themes of Wigand's predicament. The scientist is persecuted by the legal teams representing the tobacco interests for allegedly violating a contractual agreement to keep his mouth shut. In other words, evil is to be hidden from view---or you will be sued! This great film will remind one that laissez faire capitalism is inherently impossible. There will always be a need for government oversight and media investigations of wrongdoing. Capitalism may very well be the best economic system ever devised, but continuous check and balances are mandatory to preserve both its viability and integrity. I wholeheartedly recommend that you see The Insider. It will give both the Ayn Rand acolytes and the followers of Ralph Nader much to think about.