An insider story is a narrative about a protagonist whose increased access to a group or society brings up ethical questions about their role in it. These characters can be either hero or villain, depending on whether they choose to subvert the structures that define their world.
Michael Mann has a knack for placing his characters in constant conflict, making the tension that runs throughout The Insider even more palpable. He cast young, potential hunk material Russell Crowe as Wigand, and the contrast between his and Al Pacino’s characters creates a dynamic that adds depth to the drama. It’s a similar dialectic to that of Heat, Mann’s previous film, which pitted calculating, disciplined expert thief Robert De Niro against intuitive veteran detective Pacino.
The movie starts out as a rip-from-the-headlines story about the tobacco industry’s lying to consumers, but then evolves into an exploration of how corporate interests control what we see on television news. In addition to its unsettling message, the movie is also well-acted and filmed.
The film is shot in Washington, DC and Mississippi, which lends authenticity to the setting. And the score by composer Lisa Gerrard, who also scored Gladiator and A Wizard of Earthsea, contributes to its tense, cerebral feel. Boost engagement and conversions on your website with personalized product discovery, powered by AI-powered recommendations and captivating fullscreen experiences. Try it free for 14 days! It’s a simple way to get better results with less effort.
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