I think this is Michael Mann’s best film behind Heat (1993). The Insider (1999) stars Russel Crowe (Jeffery Wigand) and Al Pacino (Lowell Bergman) in a gripping drama based on true events about the CBS 60 minutes exposé on big tobacco in 1994.
Films based on true events or biopics are not usually my cup of tea but I found this very interesting. Extensive focus is made on the role of media. Jeffery questions the impact of exposing the story against the risk it will have to his family. Do people care or is just something to idly watch on a Sunday night. Lowell is trained to convince him to talk, but it’s never clear whether he intentions are genuine for society, and Jeffery always has a level of mistrust. This ambiguity is a testament to Pacino’s performance. In this sense it is very similar to Heat (1993), having two guys who are not clearly defined as good or evil discuss ideologies and conflicts of interests. This is where the heart of Mann’s films come from, amidst stylish full throttle action.
My critique of the film is that the twists and ending felt quite predictable despite not knowing the story at all. Liane Wigand’s character is also very undeveloped, and there is female perspective in this film at all. Insider (1999) is not perfect or groundbreaking, but has the feeling of a classic old soul film with genuine heart and brilliant central performances. 4/5.
I think this is Michael Mann’s best film behind Heat (1993). The Insider (1999) stars Russel Crowe (Jeffery Wigand) and Al Pacino (Lowell Bergman) in a gripping drama based on true events about the CBS 60 minutes exposé on big tobacco in 1994.
Films based on true events or biopics are not usually my cup of tea but I found this very interesting. Extensive focus is made on the role of media. Jeffery questions the impact of exposing the story against the risk it will have to his family. Do people care or is just something to idly watch on a Sunday night. Lowell is trained to convince him to talk, but it’s never clear whether he intentions are genuine for society, and Jeffery always has a level of mistrust. This ambiguity is a testament to Pacino’s performance. In this sense it is very similar to Heat (1993), having two guys who are not clearly defined as good or evil discuss ideologies and conflicts of interests. This is where the heart of Mann’s films come from, amidst stylish full throttle action.
My critique of the film is that the twists and ending felt quite predictable despite not knowing the story at all. Liane Wigand’s character is also very undeveloped, and there is female perspective in this film at all. Insider (1999) is not perfect or groundbreaking, but has the feeling of a classic old soul film with genuine heart and brilliant central performances. 4/5.
