Rated R for language.
Directed by Steven Soderbergh (Erin Brockovich, Traffic, Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen)
Starring Matt Damon, Melanie Lynskey, Scott Bakula and Joel McHale
“Trust me”…this one is worth seeing.
The story is based on Kurt Eichenwald's book of the same name and recounts the misadventures of Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon). Whitacre is a division president with the Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Corporation, but nothing has prepared him for the job he is about to undertake – being a spy for the FBI. Instead of Whitacre simply handing over incriminating documents to the authorities, the FBI enlisted his aid in videotaping, audio taping, and covertly surveilling the company antics. Before long, Whitacre began thinking of himself as a full-fledged, international spy; and after that he became almost completely unbalanced, committing acts that would seem totally unbelievable if the story weren't true.
Here's the thing: As one lie builds on another, it became harder for me to know if I was suppose to sympathize with or root against Whitacre. It was more complex than the trailer lead on. I was expecting a laugh out loud comedy, but it was a lot more than that.
Nevertheless, Damon's portrayal of Whitacre is flawless. Instead of the supercool Jason Bourne, he is a mild-mannered, often delusional suit who just wants to be “important.” He reminded me a lot of William H. Macy in “Fargo.” Damon won't get an Oscar but he deserves one – he's that good.
The supporting cast is also pretty impressive. Scott Bakula and Joel McHale are fantastic as the two FBI agents and Melanie Lynskey still has me wondering just how much she knew or understood about her husband's shenanigans.
The Informant is a ‘Theater Worthy,’ dark comedy that is thought-provoking and quirky. And although it is full of some rough language it is also full of some powerful lessons.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This one is a little tricky. I think most students will tune out after about 20 minutes but if language is lower on your criteria scale (Jonathan’s article) then I think it will be o.k. This film is jammed pack with conversation starters on greed, honesty, integrity etc.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
