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Taken straight from the front pages of every major newspaper in the country and, most notably -the longest running news show on television, 60 Minutes. The true story of a high-level executive whistle-blower, Jeff Wigand – the first in history to do so. You follow Mr. Wigand’s journey through the treacherous waters of dealing with his former employer, and the damage it does to his family and his personal anguish as a highly-accomplished scientist in a world that goes against the very nature of his skills and abilities. His court testimony ultimately catapulted legislation on how cigarettes are made as well as why so many – if not all – 7 major tobacco companies went into the chicken farm business [see FOOD.COM]. Russell Crowe gives an amazing performance. Triumphant!
I really like all of Russell Crowe's movies in this time frame including Gladiator, Master and Commander, A Beautiful Mind. The apex of his acting in my opinion. Pacino is also terrific. Topic is very engaging and timely in the environment. Absorbing and entertaining.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
One of the most important movies to come along. Dr. Wigand was fired for attempting to get his employer to leave out a carcinogenic addition to cigarettes that make them more flavorful. His confidentiality agreement was enlarged after the firing to prevent his talking to the press. Threats on his and his family's lives were made, yet he bravely spoke out calling cigarettes a "delivery device for nicotine". A producer for "60 Minutes" hired him to consult on documents from another of the tobacco companies and began to sense there was another story this man might provide. Wigand's employer threatened suit and the corporate side of the broadcasting company backed away from airing the segment. This is a well made movie worth more than one viewing.
***MINIMAL SPOILERS*** Director Michael Mann gives us a thought-provoking thriller based on the TRUE story of a Big Tobacco scientist who "spilled the beans" after his family is threatened. The TV producer for 60 Minutes Lowell Bergman( Al Pacino) convinces Jeff Wigand( Russell Crowe) to hang tough and let the truth be known to the world, the corporations, including 60 Minutes, try to silence Wigand. Christopher Plummer puts in an excellent rendition of the famed Journalist Mike Wallace. This great movie was nominated for 7( seven) Academy Awards, and did go on to win 13 Awards from major associations, along with two 2nd place finishes.
I liked the acting performance by Russell Crowe and Al Pacino. Very entertaining! The movie uncovers the seedy side of the cigarette industry and how they fought to keep their trade secrets of addicting society to nicotine away from public viewing. This movie shows the courage of one man and how he lost his family in the process. Being a whistleblower often means losing your friends, your career, and your family may suffer to the point of no return. You feel for the character of Crowe and see how CBS was embroiled in an internal battle over doing the right thing or doing the safe thing.
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