The Informant!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.