Date: December 19th, 1999
Cast: Lowell Bergman - Al Pacino
Jeffrey Wigand - Russell Crowe
Mike Wallace - Christopher Plummer
Don Hewitt - Phillip Baker Hall
Liane Wigand - Diane
Venora
Director: Michael Mann
Think back with me for a moment, to the first actual thing that you can remember clearly. Mine, is a trip to Yellowstone National Park, and trying to stick my finger into geyser or something really hot. I have been told that was in 1972, when I was 4 years old. When do we begin to recall and remember things to the point where they seem familiar to us? Apparently, age 5 was the starting point for me, and clear historical events begin being memorable with the 1976 presidential election between Carter and Ford. Again, you may wonder what my point is. I must, as always, ask for your patience, dear reader. There is one coming. History provides not only inspiration, but the actual basis for many movies. However, is the effectiveness of these movies hinged upon our memory of the event? The movie can be good but if we can remember and relate, the extent to which we enjoy it can be enhanced I believe.
In 1996, Jeffrey Wigand, a former research scientist for the Brown & Williamson tobacco company found out that his company knew information about the dangers of smoking. He decided to go public with this information, and 60 Minutes was the vehicle. These are the facts of the case, and they are indisputable. The Insider is the movie adaptation of those events, with some liberties apparently taken. I remember the story like this. A story ran in a newspaper, talking about the whistleblower, and 60 Minutes reluctance to air the original story, opting instead for an edited one. I knew nothing of the details regarding the behind the scenes' events, and politicking that resulted from Mr. Wigand’s revelations. Therefore, I really cannot refute any of the details as correct, or incorrect, only the opinions that I have seen since seeing the movie. Based upon these, I will not say yeah, or nay to its complete authenticity.
What I will say is this, The Insider is a very intense, well performed and powerful look at the repercussions of telling the truth for the better of society, potentially forsaking personal well-being. It is told in the manner of a play, by not calling upon fancy effects, explosions or camera tricks. Rather it uses strongly written intelligent characters, and patient story telling, to effectively convey a message. Just as he did in Heat, Director Michael Mann uses these techniques to slowly lure us in, keep our attention and ultimately weave a story that we feel along with characters. The characters are portrayed to perfection by all involved. I really love it when the actors in movie, no matter what the size of their role, appear to put their all into that role. Just as in Heat, top to bottom, there is not a bad performance here. From Pacino, Plummer and Crowe all the way down to Gina Gershon and Stephen Tobolowsky, this is an acting clinic, with each fitting into their roles, doing what is required, nothing more, nothing less. Starting at the top with Al Pacino, who shifts out of his edgy mode, and gives a performance filled with swagger, yet desperation. As the producer, who brings the story to CBS (allegedly), he is completely believable as a man who gives his word, keeps it, and stands behind whatever he believes. Pacino seems to fall so comfortably into roles that his talent may be overlooked. After all, it took him 7 nominations to finally win an Academy Award. Maybe this is because he fits so well into his roles, that it does not look or seem like acting, but more like you are watching different aspects of a fascinating person. Also worthy of mention here is Christopher Plummer as Mike Wallace. I can only imagine what it is like to play a person, who could be watching, or even criticizing your performance. Wallace is known to be strong willed, to the point, bulldog of a reporter, with a great confidence, bordering on arrogance, about his talent and profession. Plummer is Wallace, conveying all of these traits in a spookily wondrous way. Also, Crowe, who, as Wigand, is the glue that holds The Insider together, by showing the range of emotions caused by the rollercoaster after effects of his actions. These three represent the past, present, and future of great actors in Hollywood. I am sure I do not have to tell the Oscar voters to pay attention to this film, and these performances, but I will be very surprised if none are nominated.
Ultimately, The Insider works as a tale of whether or not the truth really does set you free. It will set you free inside, because you are doing what you know is right, but how others perceive it may not be as universally accepted. Wigands revelations nearly brought down a network powerhouse, and did cause major tobacco companies to buckle in the face of public outrage. However, at what cost did this come, and was it worth in the end. The movie effectively portrays both the good and bad sides of both, never taking sides, but presenting the facts, and letting us decide. This could have easily been a dry, drawn out historical recollection. However, since Mann is a master at telling a story, giving a message, and keeping our attention, I was transfixed, engrossed and glued to my seat for most of the movies’ 155 minute running time. The process of revelation does not come easy, and we feel, along with Wigand, the frustration his situation. My congratulations go out to Mann, Pacino, Plummer and Crowe, for setting this truth free. Now, it’s your turn to view this slice of history and make it a part of yours. ($$$1/2 out of $$$$)
Agree? Disagree, Questions? Comments?
