Morality is a tricky term to set in stone. Depending on religion, beliefs, culture and upbringing it differs among each individual. For one man right and wrong are black and white, while for another it is reversed or even faded to grey.
It is dealt with in films almost every weekend in theaters. Some of the most popular included "Dark Knight," "Memento" and "Rashamon." This weekend's release of "The Informant" questions where to draw the line and what the definition is.
Matt Damon plays Mark Whitacre, a vice president of a lysine production company who turns FBI informant. He disillusions himself into a reality of secret agents, and believes he is part of that world. He crosses and double crosses to the point that you never know which side he is really supporting. It is certain that the only talent of Whitacre is covering up his tracks for awhile.
Damon is perfect in this role. He lives and breathes it, gaining 30 pounds to play the corporate-made man. He uses a delightful Illinois/Midwestern accent to accentuate the realism of the character. I lost myself in who this character was at times. He tries to keep morals in check the entire time, but loses sight of the overall morality. In the end, he only looks after numero uno.
The morality of Whitacre is questionable. He lies, but tells the truth; he steals, but puts his career on the line everyday. The viewer needs to question what is right. Do you look after yourself and your interests? Is it fine to keep your interests in mind, but take down thieves and bad guys? Do you sacrifice your own goodwill for the justice of doctrine? It is almost like becoming a vigilante to fight crime, but that isn't quite the wrongdoing of Whitacre. He steals money while ratting out international corporate thieves to the feds. What is right?
While asking all these questions, director Steven Soderberg also creates a hilarious romp through the early 90s corporate world. Expensive cars, farmhouses and cubicle offices dot the film's landscape. Soderberg relishes in the culture using a groovy font and some great music choices to establish the world. I didn't notice until halfway through that this was shot digitally, but it is so unnoticeable that it works perfectly. Soderberg manages to turn out several films a year, and still maintains a high quality of work, astounding me and earning my respect.
The comedy of this film is brilliant. I know it was based on a book, but I have to wonder what was changed to show how obtuse the character of Whitacre is at times. He sees himself as two times the agent James Bond is, and perpetually traps himself in a web of deceit. The best sequence is spoiled a little in the trailer, but it involves his narration of a tape while he is wired to record any information. Not easily explained, but hilarious to see on screen.
What makes the film ultimately excellent isn't the acting of Damon alone. The whole cast is great. Supporting actors include Scott Bakula and Joel McHale while Patton Oswalt and Paul Thompkins appear. They may not be A-listers, but they are hilarious and well cast in every role. Some of the comedy they complement, and even endure, is over the top and well developed. The writers of the film deserve just as much credit as every on-screen star because of how well the comedy beats hit, and how perfectly refined the picture is.
I can't think of anything that rubbed me wrong in "The Informant." It might have felt a touch long, but I was glued to the seat. Every situation Whitacre is in deteriorates to a progressively worse level to the point of despair. You can't help but ultimately feel sympathy for the guy. I put this in the top 5 films that I have seen this year.
Grade: A (4 out of 4 stars)
Look out for any great films in theaters, and most importantly find something that you want to see. Don't always resort to sticking with critical assumptions, but rather what interests you. Until next time, get busy livin', or get busy dyin'.
ajkartman@bsu.edu
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