Mark Whitacre has worked for lysine developing company ADM for many years and has even found his way into upper management. But nothing has prepared him for the job he is about to undertake, being a spy for the FBI. Unwillingly pressured into working as an informant against the illegal price-fixing activities of his company, Whitacre gradually adopts the idea that he's a true secret agent. But as his incessant lies keep piling up, his world begins crashing down around him. Mark Whitacre is portrayed by Matt Damon another role that he seemed born to play. "The Informant" performances are mostly good, and the story has some surprising twists and turns. "The Informant" succeeds at what it set out to do, get inside the head of Mark Whitacre, an intriguing and satisfying movie.
The above is a key line of dialogue from "The Informant!" and indeed the central question of Steven Soderbergh's fascinating, surprising and delightful film. Mark is Mark Whitacre, a high-level executive at a billion-dollar food processing corporation in Illinois in the early 1990s. Corruption and conspiracy within the company lead him to contact the FBI, for whom he agrees to work as an undercover operative. The result is an investigation that takes many years and concludes in multiple criminal convictions and an industry-wide shake-up. This true story sounds like superb material for a drama in the style of "Silkwood" or "The Insider", doesn't it? Evidently, screenwriter Scott Z. Burns and director Soderbergh didn't think so. For "The Informant!" (love that exclamation point) is a comedy. There are serious undertones, and perhaps even some disturbing moments, but I promise that you will be laughing. Perhaps the ultimately absurd details of the Whitacre case swayed them or perhaps they decided to break new ground (after all, Soderbergh already made the serious version of this story - it's called "Erin Brockovich"); whatever their motivation, Burns, Soderbergh and a perfectly chosen cast deliver a film with a tone all its own. The title sequence, followed immediately by Whitacre's introductory voice-over, are just the beginning of the surprises in store. Truth, they say, is stranger than fiction, and this film knows that in its bones. So, is Whitacre an idiot? A case could be made for both answers. Watch this film, be confronted by a truly unique character, and make up your own mind.Read full review
Muc better that i thought, but still glad i waited for the dvd. this movie gives you a few chuckles but doesnt really make you laugh. i will say this movie does go by pretty quickly. matt damon plays a whistle blower on price fixing and works with the fbi for 2.5 years. durring that time things just get worse and worse for damon, where it gets to the point that the investigation turns toward him as well as his company adm. this movie is based of a true story and takes place all over illinois. the movie does have a good cast even if damon is the only star actor in it. you will recognize a lot of familiar places. id give this movie 3 stars.
Matt Damon stars as Mark Whitacre, an executive at Archer Daniels Midland company teams up with the FBI to catch the top officials at his company at price fixing. Whitacre is the highest ranking executive to turn whistle blower and he seems to have a really great time as he sets up wire-taps and secretly records conversations for the FBI. Damon give a pretty good performance in this movie and he is often very funny as he get into the roll as an informant. The Movie is based on actual events, however that does not mean that all the events in the movie actually took place, judge for yourself which did and did not. Get this one, you will not be disappointed.
It is a very interesting movie based on a true story. Damon's character is weird and crazy. Love Scott Bakula as the FBI man. His hair is almost bizarre.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The real story with Mark Whitcare is more profound and convincing.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
About a employer who believes theirs a spy in their company, and call in the FBI. He was given a 100.000 pay raise to play dead. During the Middle of the picture the informant may be the mole, or high stake crook. You have to watch the movie to figure out your own truth to the matter. There was so many stories told that the4 truth is in-thinkable Was he a good citizen informant, or a very smart conn artist. In his case Crime did pay!
This is a real story, folks. if your expectations are special futeristic effects like transformers, your not going to like this movie. If you want to see how giant multi-national corporations can bilk billions via price fixing, and how to catch them by having an insider rat them out, this story is real. with some good twists to it, because if you think an insider would have to be crazy to rat them out, you are right. you cant make this stuff up.
Keeps you guessing I go the best end.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This movie I found humorous but my grandchildren did't understand what was going on. I found it wasn't as good as I thought it would be and not what I am used to seeing Matt Damon play. I still liked it but the plot was a little out of sorts. Not sure what he was suppose to be, Bi-polar, a compulsive lier, a scammer or all the above. I guess I'll have to watch it again. I bought this movie because the previews where funny, and I like Matt Damon in everything I've seen him in so far.
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