The Insider 1999, Rated R Buena Vista Home Entertainment

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Starring Al Pacino, Russell Crowe, et al. Released to DVD on April 11, 2000.

Mann's latest opus, the Oscar nominated The Insider, is a true delight to watch, with stunningly well acted performances courtesy of Al Pacino, Christopher Plummer and Russell Crowe and a plot line that, despite being a slightly fictionalized version of the truth, held my interest firmly with two hands. Based off of an article written by Marie Brenner in "Vanity Fair", The Insider, adapted to the screen by Mann and Eric Roth, investigates the dealings of Lowell Bergman (Pacino), a producer from 60 Minutes, the highly rated CBS newsmagazine with former Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company's head of research, Jeffrey Wigand (Crowe). When Wigand spoke with the cameras during the mid-ë90's, the impact of his comments was earth shattering: Brown and Williamson purposely soaked their tobacco in carcinogenic ammonia like substance to produce a faster fix for smokers. Taking us through all the behind-the-scenes action with Wigand at 60 Minutes is The Insider. Taught, eerily engaging and scary as hell if what Mann filmed is true, The Insider was truly one of the best films of 1999.

yes, it's true: Actor Russell Crowe is in a band called 30 Odd Foot Grunts.