The Insider (1999)

Synopsis of The Insider

The Insider tells the true story of a man who decided to tell the world what the seven major tobacco companies knew (and concealed) about the dangers of their product. Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe) was a scientist employed in research for a tobacco firm, Brown and Williamson. Not long after he was fired by Brown and Williamson, Wigand came into contact with Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino), a producer for 60 Minutes who worked closely with journalist Mike Wallace (played here by Christopher Plummer). Bergman arranged for Wigand to be interviewed by Wallace for a 60 Minutes expose on the cigarette industry, though Wigand was still bound by a confidentiality agreement not to discuss his employment with the company. Despite Wigand's willingness to talk, CBS pulled his interview from at the last minute after Brown and Williamson threatened a multi-billion dollar lawsuit. The staff of 60 Minutes and CBS News were soon embroiled in an internal struggle over the killing of the story, and Wigand found himself the subject of lawsuits and a smear campaign, without his full story reaching the public. The Insider was directed by Michael Mann and also features Diane Venora, Philip Baker Hall, Debi Mazar, Colm Feore, and Rip Torn. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Theatrical Feature Running Time:

158 mins

Director(s):

Michael Mann

Writer(s):

Michael Mann, Eric Roth

Producer(s):

Michael Mann, Pieter Jan Brugge

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Adult Situations, Adult Language, Not For Children)

• 1999 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Best Actor
• 1999 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Picture
• 1999 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Actor
• 1999 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actor
• 1999 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Cinematography
• 1999 - National Board of Review - Best Actor
• 1999 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Supporting Actor
• 1999 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Actor

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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