The Informant
By Magdaleen Duvenage
Viewing By Nu Metro
Release Date: 16 October 2009
Directed By Steven Soderbergh.
Screenplay By Scott Z. Burns.
Produced By
Gregory Jacobs, Jennifer Fox, Michael Jaffe, Howard Braunstein, Kurt Eichenwald
Cast:
Matt Damon, Melanie Lynskey, Thomas F. Wilson, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale.
Classification: 13ML Running time: 108 minutes
Viewing By Nu Metro
Release Date: 16 October 2009
Directed By Steven Soderbergh.
Screenplay By Scott Z. Burns.
Produced By
Gregory Jacobs, Jennifer Fox, Michael Jaffe, Howard Braunstein, Kurt Eichenwald
Cast:
Matt Damon, Melanie Lynskey, Thomas F. Wilson, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale.
Classification: 13ML Running time: 108 minutes
I guess the question is always where to start? This movie is one of those whom just makes everything else seems bearable, and for a change, the bad guys look good. It is based on the true story of the highest ranking corporate whistle blower in U.S. History. Mark Whitacre is a family guy – he seems very naïve and likeable, your typical all-American. Mark works for a company called Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), in the agri-industry. The company is set on price fixing, and Mark decided to not go through with it any longer because of ethical values. He claims to not want part of a lying scandalous operation. Mark starts to work under cover with the FBI to catch the “bad guys”.
Mark hopes of gaining a promotion and hero status for doing the “right thing”. He however, helps himself to millions of dollars which threatens the very core of the investigation. Before the FBI can start arresting people and closing companies they need hard core evidence to comply with their story. Mark starts being wired, and goes into meetings with FBI equipment to uncover the truth.
This role he takes to heart and adapts easily. In a very comical way, and a hint of innocence, he talks to the mini microphone introducing his surroundings and people. A four year old toddler could see that he is wired and operating with the FBI. Yet he was never caught. When watching the movie one seems to have immediate sympathy with Mark because of his childhood. He was adopted by a wealthy man who gave him a chance in life and wants to sincerely do good to someone else to carry on the process. According to Mark this is the main purpose of the whistle blowing, to do good in the world cause good was done to him.
As the story progresses, more lies surface. Mark believes till the very end that he will become the president of ADM. With sharp tones like: “Just call me 0014! Why 0014? Cause I am twice as smart as 007!”; one knows that this story will end hilariously. The FBI never really discussed the way his life will change once they take over ADM, he assumes it will be for the best, being a hero after the bad people are caught is always a up side to things. The very funny FBI agent says to Mark: “Well, the atmosphere in the office might change a bit...”He “acts” with the FBI when everyone is arrested – and one can only laugh for his very plausible techniques. At times it felt like watching a scene out of “Clueless”.
Marks lies start catching up with him unfortunately, he appears to not be the angel he started out to be. In the end, he ended up stealing almost more money than the whole company combined and tragically the case turns on him. He was given very strict instructions to not, under any circumstances tell employees, media, etc. what was happening – needless to say, he did not oblige by it. The whole case comes tumbling down when the truth about Mark is discovered. He was never adopted, he only said so because of sympathy reasons. He kept on changing the millions he stole, never remembering the previous million he spoke about.
This story is just written so innocently – with a clear message of never to lie, cause it will catch up with you. It was a very good story; although Mark paid for his actions, you still have sympathy with him for being so naïve. I believe there must be more people like Mark Whitacre, he did not in any way came out to harm anyone visibly. His intentions was pure, his only crime is being the dumbest whistle blower in the world with no sense of integrity and an imagination that reinvents Peter Pan.The script was written in a typical drama/suspense style. The focus was divided on the story and the telling, which is something I love about Soderbergh, I have always been a great fan of his work – he had me with Oceans 11. Up until the very end you are hooked, although the story takes an unexpected turn. As always, Mr. Damon was very impressive, his acting skills go far beyond a nice face and a tanned body.
I am giving it a satisfying 7/10!
See you at the movies!
Mark hopes of gaining a promotion and hero status for doing the “right thing”. He however, helps himself to millions of dollars which threatens the very core of the investigation. Before the FBI can start arresting people and closing companies they need hard core evidence to comply with their story. Mark starts being wired, and goes into meetings with FBI equipment to uncover the truth.
This role he takes to heart and adapts easily. In a very comical way, and a hint of innocence, he talks to the mini microphone introducing his surroundings and people. A four year old toddler could see that he is wired and operating with the FBI. Yet he was never caught. When watching the movie one seems to have immediate sympathy with Mark because of his childhood. He was adopted by a wealthy man who gave him a chance in life and wants to sincerely do good to someone else to carry on the process. According to Mark this is the main purpose of the whistle blowing, to do good in the world cause good was done to him.
As the story progresses, more lies surface. Mark believes till the very end that he will become the president of ADM. With sharp tones like: “Just call me 0014! Why 0014? Cause I am twice as smart as 007!”; one knows that this story will end hilariously. The FBI never really discussed the way his life will change once they take over ADM, he assumes it will be for the best, being a hero after the bad people are caught is always a up side to things. The very funny FBI agent says to Mark: “Well, the atmosphere in the office might change a bit...”He “acts” with the FBI when everyone is arrested – and one can only laugh for his very plausible techniques. At times it felt like watching a scene out of “Clueless”.
This story is just written so innocently – with a clear message of never to lie, cause it will catch up with you. It was a very good story; although Mark paid for his actions, you still have sympathy with him for being so naïve. I believe there must be more people like Mark Whitacre, he did not in any way came out to harm anyone visibly. His intentions was pure, his only crime is being the dumbest whistle blower in the world with no sense of integrity and an imagination that reinvents Peter Pan.The script was written in a typical drama/suspense style. The focus was divided on the story and the telling, which is something I love about Soderbergh, I have always been a great fan of his work – he had me with Oceans 11. Up until the very end you are hooked, although the story takes an unexpected turn. As always, Mr. Damon was very impressive, his acting skills go far beyond a nice face and a tanned body.
I am giving it a satisfying 7/10!
See you at the movies!
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