Apr 07, 2001 09:26 PM
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At one point in 'The Insider', a character summarises the events depicted in the film as ''the biggest public health reform issue in U.S. history''. Usually this kind of statement is considered over-the-top, but in this case, he could well be right.
This is because the film focuses on former tobacco executive turned whistle-blower Jeffrey Wigand, who is willing to reveal sensitive information that could cost the big tobacco companies billions of dollars in lawsuits. Not long after that famous scene where the CEOs of the 7 big tobacco companies stood up in court and denied that cigarettes are addictive, investigative reporter Lowell Bergman tracks down Wigand, someone who could provide the CBS show '60 Minutes' with the biggest scoop in television history.
Having just been sacked from his position with Brown & Williamson (one of the big 7), Wigand’s confidentiality agreement with the company seems to be the only stumbling block in preventing him giving a television interview. By revealing that the industry has not only known about the addictive nature of nicotine, but also worked on increasing the addictiveness of their cigarettes, Wigand becomes a huge threat to Big Tobacco, who refuse to lie down and let the interview go ahead.
One of the reasons I was keen to see this movie was because of the director, Michael Mann, who I have been a fan of for quite a while. His previous movies include 'Heat', 'The Last of the Mohicans' and 'Manhunter', and his distinct directorial style can also be seen here, in ‘The Insider’. Some of the cinematography is breathtaking, with excellent camerawork and lighting really bringing the story to life. Watch out for some wonderful slow motion scenes, accompanied by a mesmerising musical score.
This is most definitely a character driven thriller, yet without the usual thriller elements such as violence, profanity and fast car chases. Instead, Mann allows the characters to dictate the storyline, and this works very well, thanks in no small way to the outstanding cast. Russell Crowe (who was Oscar nominated) gives a superbly understated performance as brooding family man Jeff Wigand, while Al Pacino is also impressive as the determined Bergman, who faces pressure not only from the tobacco companies, but also from within CBS News.
I think probably the most interesting thing about 'The Insider' is the portrayal of Big Tobacco, and how much influence they really have in America. It’s scary to think that with enough money, you can buy anyone, and at times it seems like this is exactly what the tobacco companies do everyday. They seem to be able to influence judges, local government, huge companies and district attorneys simply by mentioning their name – they are that powerful. It is therefore even more satisfying when an ordinary man like Jeff Wigand can have so much influence that they are actually scared of what he could do.
Although in my opinion this is an excellent film, I could understand how others might not like it. There isn’t any action in this movie; the drama is built up through character development and interaction, so anyone looking for an action thriller shouldn’t really watch 'The Insider'. However, if you are interested in seeing an intelligent and thought-provoking drama, with quality acting performances, you could do a lot worse than watch this film.
For an interesting look at the story behind the film, I would highly recommend reading this interview with Lowell Bergman, conducted just before the premier of 'The Insider' last year:
https://salon.com/ent/movies/int/1999/11/05/bergman/print.html
