Ryan Family Film Series: The Insider

Directed by Michael Mann, The Insider (1999) depicts the efforts of former tobacco scientist Dr. Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe) to blow the whistle on Big Tobacco companies’ efforts to cover up the health risks of cigarettes. At great personal risk, Wigand leaks confidential material to 60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino), who is eager to bring the story to air but must first confront efforts by CBS News to squash Wigand’s revelations. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Crowe). The Insider will be projected from a 35mm print.

Followed by a conversation and Q&A with Professors Rob Nemes (History) and Noah Shenker (Film and Media Studies)

Cosponsored with the Department of History