The Informant! (2009)

Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Written by Scott Z. Burns, based on the book by Kurt Eichenwald
Starring Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale and Melanie Lynskey

The U.S. government decides to go after an agro-business giant with a price-fixing accusation, based on the evidence submitted by their star witness, vice president-turned-informant Mark Whitacre.

In true Soderbergh fashion, the hard working directed created a film that transcends his own style with this crime dramedy of Corporate greed and corruption. Based on a true story, Matt Damon plays the worlds worst whistle blower who can't seem to keep his mouth shut or his hands in his own pockets in this quirky, period piece.

Matt Damon is superb as an everyman who gets in over his head. The nuances that he brings to his character add so much comedic value that much of it goes unnoticed. With a supporting cast of award-winners and stand-up comedians, there is no doubt in my mind that this film has one of the most diverse casts in recent memory (talent wise… most, if not all of them are white…. but that's for another day).

The last of five films that Soderbergh directed in a three year stretch between 2007 and 2009, it is amazing that he can direct so many films with such consistency. This movie, like most, isn't life changing. But it is worth a watch. It feels like an earlier Coen Brother's movie.

My Rating: 6.5/10