The Informant!

The Informant!

Year: 2009

Runtime: 108 min

Director: Steven Soderbergh

DramaThrillerComedy

A darkly comedic thriller recounts the story of Mark Whitacre, whose rapid ascent within Archer Daniels Midland takes an unexpected turn when he becomes a whistleblower. Embroiled in an FBI investigation of the company's price-fixing scheme, Whitacre’s true motives become increasingly ambiguous as he attempts to navigate the complex situation. The film explores whether his actions are driven by a desire for justice or a more personal agenda.

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Timeline – The Informant! (2009)

Trace every key event in The Informant! (2009) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Corn's Ubiquity and Whitacre's Role

Mark Whitacre emphasizes the prevalence of corn in our diets, highlighting its importance in the products made by his employer, ADM. As head of lysine production, he faces challenges as the company begins to suffer financial losses.

2

Allegations of Sabotage

Whitacre reveals to ADM that a saboteur may be impacting their operations, claiming a Japanese employee demands $10 million for a tip-off. This revelation leads ADM to seek assistance from the FBI to investigate the situation further.

3

FBI Surveillance Begins

FBI agent Brian Shepard arrives to install surveillance equipment in Whitacre's home as part of their investigation. Amidst the tension, Whitacre privately discusses his concerns, suspecting his house is bugged.

4

Confession of Price Fixing

During a clandestine meeting, Whitacre informs Brian about ADM's involvement in price-fixing with Japanese and Korean companies. This admission propels the FBI's investigation into the corporate malfeasance at ADM.

5

Cutting Ties with the FBI

Realizing that the FBI is surveilling them, ADM abruptly severs ties with the agency and instructs Whitacre to stop his cooperation. This places Whitacre between his employer's demands and the FBI's expectations.

6

Fabrication of the Mole Story

Cornered by FBI agents in a hotel, Whitacre confesses to creating the fabricated story of a mole and extortion to deflect blame from his own failures at work. This marks his transition into the role of an informant.

7

Clandestine Recordings

Whitacre undertakes more than 200 covert recordings, filled with revealing anecdotes about corporate crimes at ADM. His efforts spotlight the depths of corruption within the company, aiding the FBI's case significantly.

8

FBI Raid on ADM

After two years of continuous investigations fueled by Whitacre's revelations, the FBI conducts a major raid on ADM, seizing critical records and computers. This pivotal event marks the beginning of a full-blown inquiry into the corporation.

ADM Headquarters
9

Fallout from the Raid

In the aftermath of the FBI raid, Whitacre finds himself ostracized by his peers in the corporate world. Despite being an informant, details of his case leak to the press, putting further strain on him and his family.

10

Admission of Embezzlement

In subsequent meetings with the FBI, Whitacre reveals his long-practiced embezzlement scheme, adjusting the amount he misappropriated to over $11 million. His fraudulent activities involved creating a shell company for fabricated invoices.

11

Emotional Breakdown

As investigations deepen, Whitacre experiences an emotional breakdown, disclosing his Bipolar Disorder diagnosis. He hopes this revelation will serve as part of his defense amidst the legal turmoil he is facing.

12

Legal Battles and Lies

Despite his attorney's advice, Whitacre refuses a plea deal, leading to the departure of his legal team. He opts for a less credible attorney, complicating his defense as he continues to weave a complicated narrative.

13

Seeking Hospitalization

In a moment of despair, Whitacre seeks hospitalization due to his deteriorating mental state. This low point in his life underscores the intense pressure he faces due to his own fabrications and legal struggles.

14

Sentencing and Acceptance

During his sentencing, Whitacre delivers a convoluted statement, admitting the medications he is on. Despite his mental health claims, the judge issues a nine-year prison sentence for his extensive fraud, a far harsher penalty than those received by ADM executives.

Court
15

Pardon Petition and Aftermath

With support from agent Robert, Whitacre petitions for a presidential pardon, framing his embezzlement as a misguided protection against job loss. Although his clemency request is denied, his actions lead to substantial penalties against ADM, marking a notable chapter in corporate accountability.

16

Release and New Beginnings

The film concludes with Whitacre's release from prison, where he is greeted by his wife, Ginger. In a surprising turn, it is revealed that Whitacre has taken on the role of COO at Cypress Systems, suggesting a new chapter in his tumultuous life.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:18

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