Product: The Insider [VHS] (1999)
Rating: 5.0
A Mann's Film- the Best picture of 1999!
The Insider easily accomplishes 2 things- it gets my vote for best film of 1999 & for best Michael Mann film ever ( and thats saying alot coming from the man who made Last of the Mohicans,Theif,Manhunter...). This movie not only shoots Crowe to superstar status as the brooding informer ( and I thought he shined in La Confidential!), but also managed to get a performance out of Al Pacino that I thought was forever lost! Pacino is so low keyed, and so relentless in his pursuit of the truth that he harkens back to the days of his best roles such as Serpico& Dog Day Afternoon with his character! He eschews the over the top, scene chewing performances that have plagued him since Scarface, thru Dick Tracy, to Devils Advocate! After watching this film I wanted to write/email the real Wigand, harass the tobacco company, voice my disappointment at 60 minutes! It inspired me to civil duty! What higher praise for a movie?