The Informant

I am amazed that this is the fourth film I've seen this year that has been directed by Steven Soderbergh. Some big Hollywood directors can only manage maybe one film every four years.

There are many true stories that lend themselves to be made into movies. This is one such story. Mark Whitacre is an amazing character and his story makes an excellent and very funny film. It seems that people who have delusions of grandeur make excellent leading characters in movies. People who despite all the obstacles and obvious denials of whats really going on think that what they are doing will get them somewhere. That is the fun of films like this, where you watch them come up with one outrageous lie after another. It is these situations that provide the film with a lot of its humour. The joy is in seeing Whitacre backed into a corner and then watch him try and work his way out. This is all despite the fact he is not doing the right thing but thinks he is going to be rewarded for it by his bosses. The film also has a very unusual look. While it is set in the early 90's the cinematography, production design and costumes make it look like it was set in the 70's. This is not doubt Soderbergh's intention as a tribute to these kinds of films released in the 70's. I was also very impressed with the music score by Marvin Hamlisch. He comes up with some very funny musical styles that suits each scene.

Matt Damon is fast emerging as one of the best character actors working today. He has gone to a great deal of trouble to make himself almost unrecognisable in this film. It allows him to give one of his best performances. You forget you're watching Matt Damon and only see Mark Whitacre. Matt is backed up by a great support cast in smaller roles. Scott Bakula is great as the FBI agent looking after Whitacre. Also great is Melanie Lynskey as Whitacres wife who get caught up in her husband's lies. Until they become so outrageous that she stops believing in him.

An excellent, intelligent comedy that plays like a humorous version of 'The Insider'. Marvel at how this man was able to get away with as much as he did for as long as he did.