The Insider

Director: Michael Mann
Producer: Peter Jan Brugge, Michael Mann
Screenwriter: Eric Roth
Stars: Al Pacino, Russell Crowe, Christopher Plummer, Philip Baker Hall, Diane Venora, Gina Gershon, Rip Torn, Lindsay Crouse, Debi Mazar, Bruce McGill
MPAA Rating: R
Year of Release: 1999
Released on Video: 04/11/2000

Ethics and personal courage take center stage in this highly acclaimed (and controversial) cutting edge drama about a tobacco company doctor-turned-reluctant-whistleblower, Jeffery Wigand. Jeffery has crucial evidence that tobacco company executives knowingly doctored their product with a carcinogenic additive to make it more addictive, then lied to Congress. Constructed like a jigsaw puzzle in which crucial pieces keep disappearing, the twisted plot follows investigative journalist and 60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman as he manipulates behind the scenes to get the highly damaging story on the air.

Viewing Suggestion:

Watch how Jeffrey, after hesitating for a while, stands up for his convictions and blows the whistle on big tobacco.

Ask Yourself:

- Do you think that you cannot stand up for what you believe?
- What would you expect to change in your life if you felt your fear of standing up for your convictions, accepted this fear and consequently followed through with what you believe in?
- Can you see Jeffery Wigand as a model and find the strength, courage, and determination inside yourself to stand up for what you belief?