The Insider The Rewatchables
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The Insider

Half-Assed Internet Research

Writing, source access, hostile reactions, a journalist cameo and the decision to limit smoking are discussed.

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:04:05Read transcript
  • The original title is reported as Man of the People.
  • Roth and Mann reportedly wrote the first draft at the Broadway deli, with the bar-versus-table detail questioned.
  • Crow could not discuss the events with Wigand because the confidentiality restriction still applied outside court.
  • Wallace reportedly disliked the film; a Mann account describes a hostile Hewitt elevator encounter that turns into criticism of Bergman.
  • Bergman’s Berkeley and Frontline roles are reported, and Pete Hamill is identified as the journalist cameo receiving the leak.
  • Wigand reportedly did not want cigarettes shown, though Middle East smoking is noted; more smoke is argued to suit Pacino and the atmosphere.
  • The effect of smoking imagery is acknowledged while discussing convincing and awkward screen smokers, including television Don Johnson and Goodfellas De Niro.