‹ All movies

The Rewatchables ·

The Insider

year 1999decade 90sdirector Michael Manngenre Thrillergenre Drama
host Bill Simmonshost Chris Ryanhost Sean Fennesseyproducer Craig Horlbeck format Luminary re-releaseformat 25th anniversary
All 17 categories

The film

The Insider (1999)

Directed by Michael Mann · Thriller

157 minutes

Find on IMDb Find on JustWatch Find on Rotten Tomatoes
Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Al Pacino Lowell Bergman
Russell Crowe Dr. Jeffrey Wigand
Christopher Plummer Mike Wallace
Diane Venora Liane Wigand
Philip Baker Hall Don Hewitt
Lindsay Crouse Sharon Tiller
Debi Mazar Debbie De Luca
Renee Olstead Deborah Wigand

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

34:11

Most Rewatchable Scene

Pacino unleashed, after a preference was revised to the Gulf and Mississippi courtroom

Pacino unleashed, after a preference was revised to the Gulf and Mississippi courtroom

In the discussion (11)
Approx. transcript time · 00:34:11Read transcript
  • The rainy car conversation and Tylenol story are admired, though the Knicks semifinals wording is criticized.
  • The actor-to-actor feeling-out is a Michael Mann strength; the journalist must seduce and push the source while leaving the choice to him.
  • The lunch scene makes the confidentiality and litigation obstacle clear through a well-written exposition exchange, eating and moving foreground figures.
  • Recognizable supporting faces help track the complicated cast but can also distract. — Chris Ryan
  • The Mississippi proceedings and Gulf contemplation are nominated; the later vacation beach image repeats the water motif. — Bill Simmons
  • The sale discovery, Wallace siding with Don and early hotel visit reveal corporate pressure and Wallace concern about his legacy. — Sean Fennessey
  • The explosive Hewitt confrontation is nominated, with Philip Baker Hall praised as an arch-villain.
  • The driving-range intimidation signals real danger, compared with All the President’s Men; the suited golfer has a stronger swing than Crow. — Chris Ryan
  • A first hotel-visit preference is revised to the Gulf and Bruce McGill courtroom eruption. — Craig Horlbeck
  • The courtroom feels like an emotional turning point, but another preference requires Pacino and favors his explosive confrontation.
  • The closing choice is Pacino unleashed; earlier differing preferences remain part of the discussion.
Share this discussion More Most Rewatchable Scene answers
44:43

What’s Aged the Best?

Plummer, with Pacino, cinematography, and the production process also praised

Plummer, with Pacino, cinematography, and the production process also praised

In the discussion (11)
Approx. transcript time · 00:44:43Read transcript
  • Pacino is praised for listening, processing information and guiding conversations naturally while pursuing an objective. — Chris Ryan
  • The Godfather2 and Sea of Love are comparison performances; Denzel and theater experience inform discussion of generous screen partners. — Sean Fennessey
  • The Pacino–Crow combination is prized, and the movie transcribed as Boyer Raced is recalled as another strong Crow performance.
  • The cinematography, Gulf imagery and inner workings of CBS are praised; the same corporate culture is reserved for aged-worst discussion. — Bill Simmons
  • Plummer increasingly defines Wallace as the real broadcaster recedes from daily memory; posture, gestures and confidence matter more than a literal impression.
  • The controlled smile and sip from a CBS Sports mug are admired details. — Bill Simmons
  • The supporting-actor nominees are debated; Plummer deserved inclusion, while his later Beginners win is treated as career recognition and Pacino’s exclusion is criticized.
  • The discussion marvels at Plummer’s late-career work and reported 1929 birth, then gives him the category.
  • Lindsay Krauss is a later addition, praised as a recognizable actress and part of an unusually normal Pacino marriage. — Chris Ryan
  • One speaker considers Plummer better than the supporting Oscar nominees except Jude Law, praising Law’s charisma in the Ripley role, and places Plummer at least in the top five. — Chris Ryan
  • Another contribution says they would probably go with Cruise too, preserving this alternative preference separately from the Plummer/Jude Law comparison. — Sean Fennessey
Share this discussion More What’s Aged the Best? answers
52:45

What’s Aged the Worst?

CBS culture, the slow-motion ending, the score and distracting Wings Hauser casting

CBS culture, the slow-motion ending, the score and distracting Wings Hauser casting

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:45Read transcript
  • The internal CBS culture looks worse with later knowledge, including a possible rereading of chauvinism toward the corporate lawyer. — Bill Simmons
  • The slow-motion street exit feels dated and tacky within an otherwise carefully made film. — Chris Ryan
  • The score is criticized as a strained attempt at singularity, with Miami Vice and synth soundtracks as comparisons. — Sean Fennessey
  • Wings Hauser is hard to separate from the 90210 character; Bruce McGill’s Animal House association provides a counterexample. — Chris Ryan
  • McGill’s many 1990s roles support his credibility, while five preceding Hauser titles underline the casting objection.
Share this discussion More What’s Aged the Worst? answers
58:22

The most 1999 thing

Fax machines, payphones, printed news, 60 Minutes influence and cigarette culture mark the period.

Fax machines, payphones, printed news, 60 Minutes influence and cigarette culture mark the period.

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:22Read transcript
  • Faxing, payphone business and reading the Times in a lobby are distinctly period habits. — Bill Simmons
  • Personal overseas calling-card and internet-access memories illustrate how easily people could be disconnected.
  • Concern about corporate media ownership now seems settled; the SEC filing revelation contrasts with later thumb drives and leaked emails, and 60 Minutes mattered differently.
  • Cigarette acceptance is contrasted with younger friends’ habits, with regional uncertainty and health-culture jokes. — Sean Fennessey
  • Ken Starr’s firm and a recalled Clinton reference are other period details.
Share this discussion More The most "year the movie came out" thing answers
1:02:57

Casting What-Ifs

Val Kilmer was reportedly considered for Wigand; Wings Hauser prompts an objection and defense.

Val Kilmer was reportedly considered for Wigand; Wings Hauser prompts an objection and defense.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:02:57Read transcript
  • Val Kilmer is the reported alternative for Wigand, leading to discussion of career opportunities and comparison with Russell Crow. — Bill Simmons
  • Top Gun, Willow, Heat, Batman and The Saint are examples of possible Kilmer career paths.
  • Avoiding the Wings Hauser casting is a wish, opposed by a defense of the performance. — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More Casting What-Ifs answers
1:04:05

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

Keep The Insider, though a clearer or more sinister title was sought

Keep The Insider, though a clearer or more sinister title was sought

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:04:05Read transcript
  • Man of the People is reported as the original title; The Insider is preferred.
  • Invented alternatives include Tonight on 60 Minutes, Cigarette Burns, Burned, a health-warning idea and The Whistleblower; these are proposals, not production titles. — Chris Ryan
  • Thank You for Smoking is corrected from the initially misstated title and praised for clarity; A Civil Action and the title transcribed as Aaron Brockovich are comparisons.
Share this discussion More Is There a Better Title for This Movie? answers
1:04:05

Half-Assed Internet Research

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

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

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. — Bill Simmons
  • Wallace reportedly disliked the film; a Mann account describes a hostile Hewitt elevator encounter that turns into criticism of Bergman. — Bill Simmons
  • Bergman’s Berkeley and Frontline roles are reported, and Pete Hamill is identified as the journalist cameo receiving the leak. — Bill Simmons
  • Wigand reportedly did not want cigarettes shown, though Middle East smoking is noted; more smoke is argued to suit Pacino and the atmosphere. — Chris Ryan
  • The effect of smoking imagery is acknowledged while discussing convincing and awkward screen smokers, including television Don Johnson and Goodfellas De Niro. — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More Half-Assed Internet Research answers
1:10:37

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Bruce McGill

Bruce McGill

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:37Read transcript
  • Bruce McGill’s Mississippi courtroom outburst is the initial sole nomination and prompts a possible triple crown.
  • Mann’s willingness to allow large performances is discussed, with uncertainty about whether the deposition outburst is historical or invented. — Sean Fennessey
  • Michael Gambon, the golfer henchman and Stephen Tobolowski are offered as runners-up.
  • McGill is the final selection. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance answers
1:11:05

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Bruce McGill is the film selection; a later joke gives an overacting award to the hosts’ Pacino impressions.

Bruce McGill is the film selection; a later joke gives an overacting award to the hosts’ Pacino impressions.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:05Read transcript
  • McGill is called a double winner for the courtroom outburst and possibly a triple winner with the that-guy award.
  • The performance is jokingly imagined as pushed beyond Pacino’s Heat outburst, while Mann’s taste for excess is discussed.
  • A later joke gives the hosts an overacting award for their Pacino-and-Knicks impressions, not a new film-performance winner.
Share this discussion More The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award answers
1:11:20

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Bruce McGill’s triple crown and Lindsay Krause remain the final alternatives.

Bruce McGill’s triple crown and Lindsay Krause remain the final alternatives.

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:20Read transcript
  • McGill is proposed as a possible triple winner.
  • Stephen Tobolowski is another possible that-guy selection.
  • The large field includes Philip Baker Hall, Gina Gershian, Stephen Toboloski and Rip Torn; Torn’s small role prompts speculation that scenes were cut.
  • The roster continues with the Pepsi-commercial daughter actor, Comfior, Debbie Mazar, Lindsay Krauss, Michael Gambon and the actor playing the FBI contact; garbled names remain unresolved. — Bill Simmons
  • McGill’s triple crown is attractive, while Lindsay Krause is praised as accomplished but often unnamed, with House of Games recommended.
Share this discussion More The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award answers
1:12:58

Unintentional Comedy Award

Golf in suits, corporate-lawyer casting and the melting-wall vision draw laughs; wealth complicates the stakes.

Golf in suits, corporate-lawyer casting and the melting-wall vision draw laughs; wealth complicates the stakes.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:58Read transcript
  • Golfing in suits and Russell Crow’s swing are comic details. — Bill Simmons
  • Gina Gershon lacks expected corporate-lawyer gravitas for one response, while another enjoys the counterintuitive casting; Curb is praised separately. — Chris Ryan
  • The wall dissolving into an image of the children is both appreciated and found corny.
  • The struggle involves wealthy people and expensive vacation property, making the emotional stakes harder to accept for one participant; the exact vacation location remains uncertain. — Sean Fennessey
Share this discussion More Unintentional Comedy Award answers
1:15:33

Probably Unanswerable Questions

How would the scandal unfold in the internet era?

How would the scandal unfold in the internet era?

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:33Read transcript
  • Manipulation, competing news and short attention could change the impact of the story. — Bill Simmons
  • Possible factions include cigarette defenders, people who already knew the danger and contract loyalists criticizing Wigand. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Probably Unanswerable Questions answers
1:16:29

Picking Nits

The wife’s early reaction (disputed); “NBA semifinals” wording

The wife’s early reaction (disputed); “NBA semifinals” wording

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:29Read transcript
  • The wife seems quick to turn against Wigand after the job loss; a bad preexisting marriage, anger and poor communication are counterarguments.
  • Wigand is jokingly a difficult hang who cannot discuss even small talk because of confidentiality.
  • NBA semifinals should be conference finals or third round; the Knicks’ actual finals appearance is recalled.
Share this discussion More Picking Nits answers
1:19:46

The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie

No, you fucked you is singled out among a rich set of dialogue choices.

No, you fucked you is singled out among a rich set of dialogue choices.

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:19:46Read transcript
  • The initial choice is the decision to go to court, followed by enthusiasm for lines beginning with fuck it, let’s.
  • The formal Mr. Wallace correction, corporation-versus-profession distinction and demand to get on the phone are choices.
  • The truth preventing broadcast and the retaliatory you-fucked-you exchange are favorites; the latter receives an explicit preference. — Craig Horlbeck
  • The warning of becoming both pissed off and curious is another choice.
  • Plummer’s calm criticism of Don and the contrast between fleeting fame and longer infamy are admired. — Sean Fennessey
  • The line about ordinary people under extraordinary pressure and expectations of grace is praised. — Chris Ryan
  • The anarchist accusation and the promise of continuing to fight for the source are added.
Share this discussion More The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie answers
1:23:53

Apex Mountain

McGill and the golfing henchman: yes

McGill and the golfing henchman: yes

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:23:53Read transcript
  • Bruce McGill is endorsed; Pacino and Crow are rejected, with Gladiator offered for Crow.
  • The golfing henchman is endorsed, while Plummer’s peak is placed at The Sound of Music.
  • Mann’s ability to finance this film is proposed as an apex, attributed to the success and latitude created by Heat.
Share this discussion More Apex Mountain answers
1:25:56

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

A television version is enthusiastically endorsed, followed by fanciful sequels and companion shows.

A television version is enthusiastically endorsed, followed by fanciful sequels and companion shows.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:25:56Read transcript
  • A ten-episode version is welcomed, even joking about an episode devoted to Gulf imagery.
  • More smoking and Rage Against the Machine replacing Dead Can Dance are suggested.
  • A sequel pairs Wigand with the Broadcast News character, in a Benny and June-style relationship story. — Chris Ryan
  • A Knicks-watch stream and golf program are imagined, with imitations and a confidentiality joke. — Craig Horlbeck
Share this discussion More Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake answers
1:28:26

Who Won the Movie?

Pacino

Pacino

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:28:26Read transcript
  • Pacino is named as the unquestioned personal winner and the name is repeated.
  • The agreement praises the performance and his year alongside Any Given Sunday. — Chris Ryan
Podcast choices
Speaker not identified
Al Pacino
Share this discussion More Who Won the Movie? answers

More from the conversation

Cold-weather sold-out tour Futgitive Chicago/Forrest Gump DC/Creed Philadelphia/Rounders New York; re-release of previously Luminary-only Rewatchables1999 series,25th-anniversary context and Ferrari promotion; Chris Ryan hosts with Simmons and Fennessey. ASR says series in1999, not reliable original-recording date.
Approx. transcript time · 00:01:52Read transcript
Pacino hair and wardrobe jokes; performance defended as late great work with Insomnia before decline.
Approx. transcript time · 00:04:38Read transcript
Reported Disney release Nov5 1999,budget68m,gross29m; practical locations/research costs; seven nominations no wins, American Beauty sweep.
Approx. transcript time · 00:05:39Read transcript
Plummer Oscar/Globe nomination recollection corrected to neither, LA critics win; agelessness/Sound of Music memory.
Approx. transcript time · 00:07:28Read transcript
Mann masterpiece claim despite Miami Vice disagreement; Eric Roth and Marie Brenner Vanity Fair source; handheld decision visualization compared Heat/Mohicans, Dante Spanati cinematography.
Approx. transcript time · 00:08:30Read transcript
Pacino1990s unranked run plus personal favorite debate: Any Given Sunday then Heat moved above it; earlier Dog Day Afternoon/Panic Needle Park/Cruising/Sea of Love; career comeback and Scarface broke restraint theory.
Approx. transcript time · 00:09:56Read transcript
Scarface versus Scent of a Woman as Pacino overacting pivot disputed; Insider best calibrated, Glengarry/Heat/Donnie Brasco preferences debated.
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:22Read transcript
Johnny Depp dislike versus Ed Wood bravery, current Professor and unnamed Tupac investigation film noted, Travolta direct-video comparison.
Approx. transcript time · 00:16:06Read transcript
Crowe aging-up ambition and condensed career run, leading-man/character-actor tension; physical aging speculation; phone snatch scene briefly shows usual Crowe energy.
Approx. transcript time · 00:17:00Read transcript
Pacino decline after Insomnia through Simone/Recruit/Gigli/Two forMoney/88Minutes/Righteous Kill; good TV/later roles acknowledged;2019 Irishman and Once Upon a Time upcoming.
Approx. transcript time · 00:18:11Read transcript
Film increasingly seen as Pacino/Bergman story not Crowe/Wigand; Mann identifies with investigative process.
Approx. transcript time · 00:21:24Read transcript
Scandal changing significance compared All Presidents Men, Watergate/Clinton; cigarettes danger already known, lengths industry goes new; JFK truth comparison;60Minutes dominance and fading specific memory against modern news overload.
Approx. transcript time · 00:22:18Read transcript
Preinternet tactile news world, faxes and controllable daily papers; social outrage and opposition-research alternatives; Blair Witch later impossible, Flint distraction example.
Approx. transcript time · 00:26:29Read transcript
Conglomeration parallels inside story/studio economics; Joe Roth refrigerator-up-hill marketing quote; Mann abstraction vs Spotlight satisfying investigation, ambivalent airport ending.
Approx. transcript time · 00:29:42Read transcript
Diane Vanora is compared with her Heat role, with Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliette work discussed and uncertainty about later career prominence.
Approx. transcript time · 00:57:01Read transcript
Eyes Wide Shut is discussed as an upcoming episode, including the disturbing morgue scene.
Approx. transcript time · 01:08:54Read transcript
A Broadcast News character’s romantic future is debated as an aside during the wife discussion.
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:03Read transcript
A Rounders Atlantic City scene prompts disappointment and a desire to cover Heat again at the hundredth episode.
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:24Read transcript
Philip Baker Hall’s run is recalled through Magnolia, Midnight Run, Boogie Knights, Seinfeld and Hard Eight.
Approx. transcript time · 01:23:28Read transcript
A Pavarotti documentary anecdote describes Bono recalling a charity-concert invitation as emotional arm wrestling.
Approx. transcript time · 01:27:44Read transcript