Simon Dillon reviews the film

The Informant

Steven Soderbergh's new film The Informant! opens with a based-on-a-true-story type blurb whilst admitting a certain amount of artistic licence. It's then amusingly followed by the words "So there", which are all the more amusing given the intricate, Machiavellian, would-be-unbelievable-if-they-weren't-true plot developments that follow.

Based on the book by Kurt Eichenwald, the story centres around agri business giant ADM's vice president Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon), who becomes a whistleblower for FBI agent Brian Shepherd (Scott Bakula) in a price fixing investigation. But as the film progresses it gradually becomes apparent that despite the price fixing Whitacre is 1) a compulsive liar and 2) an embezzler.

It's an oddly gripping, blackly comical tale made particularly noteworthy by Matt Damon's extraordinary performance. His hilarious inner monologues and the way he seems to deceive himself as well as those around him makes him plausible, disturbed, hysterically funny and hugely memorable to say the least. Alongside his turn in The Talented Mr Ripley, this is probably his best performance to date and further proof of his versatility. I fully expect him (and the film) to get an Oscar nomination.

Supporting performances are all good, especially from Scott Bakula who soon ensures any baggage from Quantum Leap is quickly forgotten. Also worthy of special mention is Melanie Lynskey as Mark's loyal wife Ginger, who puts him up to telling the FBI about the price fixing in the first place and is ultimately wise (and loving) enough to tell him he must stop lying. Marvin Hamlisch's music score is deliberately comical, and gently spoofs the music for spy series like Mission Impossible. Editing, cinematography and Scott Z Burns' sharp screenplay are all spot on (despite the odd anachronism in the 1990s period setting).

From a moral/spiritual perspective, this is an extraordinary - and massively entertaining - cautionary tale that shows just how much trouble a lie can cause. In that respect it is to be highly commended (despite some strong language). In short, Soderbergh is well and truly back on form.

(NOTE: this film will be released in the UK this month) CR

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