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The Insider (1999)
Rate:
4
Viewed:
2/13
2/13:
The Insider is the first and yet only Michael Mann stinker I've seen.
It's probably a combination of the uninteresting story and Russell Crowe. I've never liked his acting. Constantly, he'll
look all sad when I'm like, "Oh, grow the fuck up."
On the other hand, it's hard to care for some ex-tobacco exec who's in fear for his life because of the
possibility of divulging classified company secrets. My answer is, "Well, if you disliked what you were doing, then why did
you continue to work for the company? Come on, duh." Oh...I get it, Jeffrey...it's about the money, right? You like the money,
Jeffrey? You addicted to the money, Jeffrey? Is that why you shut up, so you can make enough until you're ready to get out
in time before blowing the whistle, right Jeffrey?
The funniest part is the ex-wife. Oh, the poor thing...the loss of income which means no more
manicured lawns and social gatherings. She has to hide in shame because her husband was canned from a seven-figure
salaried job. What a tragedy for her to give up the dream of being an housewife and face the reality of a 9-to-5 job.
It's what the film feels like: too much undeserved sympathy.
Meanwhile, Al Pacino does a good job as the master orchestrator of the show. He's an expert at it. The most
surprising is the unflattering portrayal of Mike Wallace, the well-known reporter from 60 Minutes. And
boy...Christopher Plummer is an awful actor. He pretends but fails at it miserably. I'll like to see
Mike Wallace playing himself instead. In the meantime, the shaky camera work during the first hour or so is tough to endure.
Finally, it calms down, but the blue color keeps dominating the screen.
All in all, watch The Insider only if you feel for the rich, snobbish, and emotionless people.