Based on one the biggest lawsuits ever brought against an industry in the US, this movie tells the tale of how two men threatened to topple the tobacco industry. Russell Crowe plays Jeffrey Wigand, the insider, a head scientist with a top-level job at a cigarette company, who is fired. Al Pacino plays Lowell Bergman, the veteran producer of 60 Minutes, who organises the taping of Wigan's interview. However his station CBS refuse to air it, leading to severe reprecussions like nervous breakdowns, divorces and lawsuits against them. However together these two men attempt to take on both the tobacco and media industries, and their own demons so that the American people can hear their story.

The Insider is not really going to be much of a money maker. It is not really aimed at that kind of audience. Like A Civil Action, it is a true story of corruption in US industry. The players are very good. Al Pacino doesn't really need much of an introduction, and Russell Crowe was excellent in LA Confidential. Michael Mann and Pacino last collaborated on Heat, which was a success. Overall I feel that the acting may be top class, but it would be a miracle if this movie made much ast the box office, owing to its controversial theme.