Product: The Insider [VHS] (1999)
Rating: 5.0
This was an excellent film!!!
Scientist Jeffrey Wigand ( Russel Crow)is fired by one of the largest tobacco companies in America. Wigand feels that it is his duty to blow the whistle, and warn the general public of the danger that the tobacco industry concealed about their products. Despite being under a legal and binding contract for employee confidentiality, Wigand throws caution to the wind risking his family, and his financial future in the process. He puts his trust in Lowell Bergman ( Al Pacino) who is the producer for 60 Minutes. Bergman puts together an expose on the tobacco industry by using Wigand's testimonial. The only problem is that the tobacco industry threatens with a multi billion dollar law suit, which makes the top CBS news executives, want to kill the story. Wigand is subject to numerous lawsuits and a vicious smear campaign, leaving his story in danger of never reaching the American people. Now Bergman and Wigand must work together to save their reputations, and possibly even their own lives...This controversial and unforgettable true story is Michael Mann's best film without a doubt. The film features an amazing script that deals with the issues of journalistic integrity, coporate responsibility, and one's man moral obligation to risk everything, to tell the truth. The film itself is incredibly suspenseful, and you will be kept on the edge of your seat. It involves not only the fight for the truth, but the threatening of Wigand's life and family. Great mix of conspiracy and paranoia thrown in! Al Pacino is always great, and Lowell Bergman is no exception. His pursuit for justice and the truth is amazing. He never gives up, and actually stands by Wigand. He puts a whole new meaning to the phrase " My word is my bond." Russell Crowe gave the film's best performance however. His portrayal of Jeffrey Wigand is filled with humanity, vulnerability, and selflessness. Crowe also put on some serious weight, to make himself look like the actual Jeffrey Wigand. Great performance all the way around. Christopher Plummer gives a nice performance as anchor Mike Wallace, and Gina Gershon is great as well." The Insider" is a masterpiece. The wonderful script, tons of suspense, and the overall acting are all incredible. While the film is long at 158 minutes, time flies, and it does not seem long at all. The DVD offers a production featurette, and commentary from Al Pacino and Russel Crowe. This film is definately a must own, and I highly recommend it!