The Insider
The Insider

The Insider

1999Movie158 minEnglish

A research chemist comes under personal and professional attack when he decides to appear in a 60 Minutes exposé on Big Tobacco.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic82/100
Google Users90%
Director: Michael MannGenres: Drama, Biography, Thriller

Plot Summary

A former tobacco industry scientist, Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, decides to blow the whistle on his former employer's practices, revealing the devastating health effects of nicotine. He teams up with "60 Minutes" producer Lowell Bergman, risking his career, family, and life to expose the truth. The film chronicles their struggle against the powerful tobacco lobby and the media conglomerates that try to suppress the story.

Critical Reception

The Insider was critically acclaimed for its gripping narrative, strong performances, and its exploration of journalistic ethics and corporate greed. Critics praised Michael Mann's meticulous direction and the film's taut suspense, deeming it a compelling thriller with significant substance.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intelligent script and masterful direction.
  • Russell Crowe and Al Pacino deliver powerful, Oscar-worthy performances.
  • A tense and gripping exploration of truth, courage, and the media's role.

Google audience: Viewers lauded the film's intense suspense, compelling storyline, and the outstanding performances, particularly from Russell Crowe and Al Pacino. Many appreciated its examination of important ethical issues and its success as a thrilling drama.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. Won numerous other awards and nominations from various critics' circles and guilds.

Fun Fact

Russell Crowe famously gained over 40 pounds for his role as Jeffrey Wigand, later losing it to prepare for another role. He also spent time with the real Jeffrey Wigand, adopting his mannerisms and speech patterns.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
GenerationofSwine

GenerationofSwin...

I was drooling when I saw the first preview. the talent involved in this...aaaaahhhhhhh. You just know it's going to be good. And Crowe, who thinks he's the best actor who ever lived actually acted in this. Seeing him actually act is ...
Eky

Eky

What if Michael Mann, Russell Crowe and Al Pacino ensemble in a film all together? Well, The Insider, with the above clever formula does exist and it is definitely an earthly paradise. Russell Crowe is a tobacco industry researcher named Je...