But as Scott Burns’ screenplay strives to showcase the strange psychosis of Mark’s mind, it goes a little too crazy itself, which saps away much of the suspense. Treating the absurd events with a comic tone even more so. Did the government really believe him for that long? Should we feel sorry for the guy or just laugh at him?Ĭompressing a 600-page book into a 100-minute feature film is an impressive feat. The glory of the mess comes from this uncertain blend of truth and fiction, but it’s that in itself which can’t help but confuse. Oh yeah, he’s done that too.ĭriving the authorities nuts, Whitacre’s weird and wonderful web of deceit soon becomes hard to follow – he digs himself in deeper every scene, but never runs out of ingenious explanations. Standing by her chubby hubby, Ginger (Lynskey) is a devoted housewife, keen to keep her marriage in tact, not to mention their luxurious life, which is funded by his fraud and embezzling. Lapping up Damon’s dazzling performance, it’s a testament to the actor’s comic timing and ability to transform into almost anybody – he put on 30 pounds to play the part (not including the false moustache). Playing off Scott Bakula’s straight man, the brilliant double act matches The Spy Who Loved Me composer Marvin Hamlisch’s score, creating a caper that feels more 1970s than 1992.Īs the farcical fibs begin to unravel, Soderbergh keeps the frame tightly centred on his wannabe spook. A babbling liar, he’s closer to Clouseau than Connery. Dubbing himself 0014 (because he’s twice as smart as 007), he brags about his secret work to the builders renovating the house. Throwing himself into the role of super-spy, Whitacre runs around, bugged briefcase in tow, narrating his actions for all to hear (“Hello Janet, secretary!”). Cue wires, tapes and undercover espionage. Then, Whitacre reveals to agent Brian Shepherd (Bakula) that the whole company is involved in a price-fixing scam. When Whitacre invents an imposter from Japan who’s poisoning their lysine production, the FBI are called in and decide to tap his phone. Namedropping Michael Chricton and referring to The Firm, it’s all incredibly self-aware and wacky. The world stays like that for the rest of the film.Ī topsy-turvy take on the true tale of Whitacre’s whistleblower, Steven Soderbergh’s comedy is a bizarre subversion of the corporate thriller. While they travel, the camera flips the car upside down. As he drives home past corn fields, he teaches his son all about the yellow stuff. He works for ADM, an agricultural giant who produce corn byproducts. How do they know their noses are black?” Meet Mark Whitacre (Damon), biochemist, businessman and FBI snitch. “Polar bears cover their noses before they pounce on a seal. Watch The Informant! online in the UK: Amazon Prime / Apple TV (iTunes) / Prime Video (Buy/Rent) / TalkTalk TV / Google Play Cast: Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Melanie Lynskey
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