Compare prices before you buy. The Bottom Line Thumbs up. It's an engaging film marketed to those who like rooting for a realistic underdog. However, CBS Corporate pulls the plug on the interview not because Dr. Wigand is lying, but because he s telling the truth and that would expose them to a lawsuit that could put them out of business. The major points of the tale are taken right out of the newspapers.
Minor details are harder to confirm.
The film uses the disclaimer that some events are fictitious for dramatic purposes. This also protects the film makers from lawsuits filed by tobacco companies. Most of us know the general story, but the arrogance and corruption of the tobacco companies is not fully realized by the public. Even though everyone knew cigarettes caused cancer and were addictive, no one could absolutely prove it. Since tobacco companies made huge profits, they could afford the best lawyers and they never ever lost a case against them.