The Insider

The Insider

Year: 1999

Runtime: 157 min

Language: English

Director: Michael Mann

BiographyDramaThriller

A city faces potential collapse as detectives pursue a mysterious mastermind in a tense cat-and-mouse game. A tangled web of lies is exposed, leading to a startling revelation about an unassuming individual who has been secretly orchestrating a series of violent crimes. The investigation delves into the individual’s motives and the extent of their influence, threatening to destabilize the city.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Insider (1999)

Trace every key event in The Insider (1999) 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

Lowell Bergman Meets Sheikh Fadlallah

In Lebanon, producer Lowell Bergman is guided by Hezbollah militants to meet Sheikh Fadlallah, the founder of Hezbollah. During this critical encounter, Bergman successfully persuades Sheikh Fadlallah to agree to an interview with Mike Wallace for CBS's *60 Minutes* program.

Lebanon
2

Jeffrey Wigand Loses His Job

In Louisville, Kentucky, Jeffrey Wigand is seen packing his belongings after being let go from his position at Brown and Williamson. When he returns home, he reveals to his wife Liane that he lost his job that very morning, adding to the stress of their family life.

Louisville, Kentucky
3

Bergman Receives Key Documents

Back in Berkeley, California, Bergman receives an anonymous package containing crucial documents related to tobacco giant Philip Morris. Realizing their importance, he contacts a friend at the FDA for help and is directed to Wigand, who reluctantly agrees to meet him.

Berkeley, California
4

Wigand's Meeting with Bergman

Wigand meets Bergman at the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, where he agrees to translate tobacco documents for him. However, he firmly states that he cannot share any further information due to a confidentiality agreement with his former employer.

Louisville
5

CEO's Pressure on Wigand

After their meeting, Wigand is pressured by Brown and Williamson’s CEO, Thomas Sandefur. Sandefur threatens legal action and demands Wigand signs an expanded confidentiality agreement, showcasing the immense pressure put on him to remain silent.

6

Bergman Reassures Wigand

Bergman visits Wigand at home, assuring him that he hasn’t disclosed their conversation to anyone at Brown and Williamson. This meeting allows Wigand to open up about the tobacco CEOs lying before Congress, underscoring the implications of his potential testimony.

Wigand's Home
7

Legal Challenges Emerge

At CBS headquarters in New York City, Bergman discusses Wigand’s situation with Mike Wallace. They confront legal issues regarding Wigand's confidentiality agreement and the challenges posed by Big Tobacco’s resources, making them consider the risks involved in broadcasting his story.

New York City
8

Wigand's Increasing Paranoia

As Wigand's family moves to a more affordable home, he begins to experience paranoia after finding a suspicious shoe print in his garden. This incident heightens his fears regarding the potential threats against him and his family.

Louisville
9

Wigand Seeks Protection

Feeling the escalating danger, Wigand reaches out to the FBI for protection after discovering a bullet in his mailbox. However, his mental state is questioned, and they confiscate his computer, adding to his frustrations and feelings of vulnerability.

10

Wigand's Testimony

In a pivotal moment during his interview with Wallace, Wigand reveals how Brown and Williamson manipulated nicotine levels to enhance absorption and increase addiction. His candid disclosure marks a significant risk in exposing the deceit of the tobacco industry.

11

Wigand Faces Legal Threats

Wigand receives a restraining order from Kentucky, prohibiting him from testifying due to legal maneuvers by Brown and Williamson. Although this order is eventually nullified in Mississippi, the pressure of potential imprisonment weighs heavily on him as he prepares to testify.

Kentucky
12

Bergman Stands Against CBS Corporate

Bergman attends a critical meeting with CBS Corporate regarding Wigand's upcoming interview. Faced with the possibility of significant legal repercussions, corporate executives push for edits to the interview, but Bergman passionately defends the need for unaltered truth.

CBS Headquarters
13

The Smear Campaign Unfolds

In retaliation for Wigand’s revelations, Big Tobacco initiates a smear campaign to discredit him. They uncover personal details and create a damaging dossier, prompting Bergman to work with the media to counter the false narratives being circulated.

14

Broadcast of the Full Interview

Ultimately, *60 Minutes* airs the full, unedited interview with Wigand. This courageous decision comes at a great cost to Bergman, who later confides in Wallace about his resignation, declaring the harm done to the network's legacy irreparable.

15

Aftermath of the Testimony

Following the broadcast, a series of title cards reveal the aftermath, including the $246 billion settlement reached with Big Tobacco. Additionally, it highlights Wigand's achievements as a dedicated teacher and Bergman's new role at PBS's *Frontline*.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 11:22

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The Insider Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Insider

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