Part of 1999
Dr. Jeffrey Wigand is a whistleblower exposing unethical acts by the tobacco industry, as well as another in director Michael Mann’s gallery of professionals who have taken proficiency to a preterhuman degree. Working in a fictionalized mode exploring a still-legendary “Vanity Fair” article, THE INSIDER gives us the travails that go into Wigand (Russell Crowe, in his first Oscar-nominated performance) and the “60 Minutes” producer, Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino), creating an explosive segment of television about the lies peddled by Big Tobacco for years.
“Although Michael Mann is a filmmaker whose stylistic brio has a way of overpowering his subject matter, this time he strikes a balance, and he gets it right…. Sleek, gripping entertainment with a raw-nerved, changeable camera style that helps to amplify its meaning…. By far Mann's most fully realized and enthralling work.” —Janet Maslin, New York Times (Nov 5, 1999) “In a century of obscene compromise, THE INSIDER stands as a titanic moral enterprise... through image and sound and reserved yet deliquescent performance, (it) captures men's wills.” —Ray Pride, Newcity “It has a marvelous ensemble cast and all the visceral impact and moment-to-moment tension of a fine thriller, together with the distinctive visual style of an art film.” —Andrew O’Hehir, Salon “How close is this to the truth? The real [Mike] Wallace has publicly expressed his displeasure with the movie's depiction of events, particularly concerning the circumstances that led to his capitulation to CBS. Is THE INSIDER a hagiography of CBS News producer Bergman at the cost of his colleague Wallace and CBS management? How far from the truth does the movie wander? Suffice it to say, there's a patina of truth here, enough for a good night at the movies.” —Desson Howe, Washington Post (Nov 5, 1999)
