JIM reviews film “THE INFORMANT” – TRUST me: What I tell you MAY be the Truth (in part…)!

“THE INFORMANT” – TRUST me: What I tell you MAY be the Truth (in part…)!

Rating: 8 of 10 stars (based on an advance screening =

“TRUST ME” (with music by Marvin Hamlisch) is the chipper ‘title’ song of this film, which is based on true events concerning the government’s trying to build a fraud case against the ADM company. MATT DAMON plays a V.P. there named Mark Whitacre who is eager to be a “whistle-blower” about things like the massive price-fixing going on, seeming to believe that his tattling on other big shots will end up with his getting the TOP spot at the agri-business giant. His wife Ginger (MELANIE LYNSKEY) keeps urging him to tell the “truth” to the FBI (represented by SCOTT BAKULA playing agent Brian Shepard & EDDIE JEMISON as Kirk Schmidt). He secretly makes tape recordings for the FBI when with other conspirators such as Mick Andreas (TOM PAPA) & Terry Wilson (RICK OVERTON). But, the question becomes, can “bi-polar” Matt actual COMPREHEND what’s the “truth”? He alternates between ‘sharp’ & generally ‘oblivious’, his stories keep CHANGING, & the govt (& his cohorts) never know quite what to expect (or believe).

Think of it as a “black’ comedy, with some frightening implications for countries often at the mercy of Really BIG Businesses… A friend felt the film was “brilliant”, & said she thinks Matt may well get an OSCAR nomination for his role. It’s an engaging & very well-done portrayal, but, I think such a nomination is “IFFY” (given the emotional limitations inherent in the role). Nevertheless, you can trust ME when I tell you the film is intriguing, fascinating & enjoyable.