Product: The Insider [VHS] (1999)
Rating: 5.0
Turning life into art
To the people complaining that this film deviates from the factual record, I suggest spending a few minutes meditating on the difference between drama and real life. Real life is "polluted" with random distractions, irrelevant interludes, and semi-coherent utterances. Drama must be shaped to express and clarify issues that might otherwise be buried beneath the noise.Consider the decision to split the story between the whistleblower and the 60 Minutes associate producer. While Wigand is frequently referred to as the "insider," the story really sets up a symmetry between the two men. They are both insiders and whistleblowers. The story skillfully contrasts how each individual tackles the fundamental question of whether to adhere to idealistic principles or to protect their personal circumstances, of whether to sacrifice for causes bigger than themselves.The meaning of the actual events is that tobacco companies are exposed, litigation moves forward, personal fortunes are won and lost, etc. But the filmmaker makes these issues coexist with universal questions of personal responsibility, and that is the art of this very fine film.