Matt Damon is the Informant

 

THE INFORMANT (2009)

Starring Matt Damon.

Directed by Steven Soderbergh.

This hilarious comedy starring Matt Damon is an extremely underrated hit from last year. Despite only grossing just over thirty three million dollars, this clever feature by quirky director, Steven Soderbergh had us laughing from start to finish.

But at it's core, this isn't a inherently funny story. Infact, its a saddening tale about a man who weaves a web lies that even fools himself. But Soderbergh does manage to the lighten mood by going down a rather different road than the book, written by Kurt Eichenwald, by basing the story around one of the best legal thrillers ever shown on screen. But we still do follow the true story of ex ADM employee Mark Whitacre as depicted by Eichenwald, through the untrustworthy narration that follows throughout the story.

The stand out performance is obviously the portrayal of Mark Whitacre by the fantastic, Matt Damon, who is usually known for his action roles and not for comedic ones. Although playing the role as a larger than life character, Damon managed at the same time to keep him human, relate-able and empathic. The supporting cast also do well, particularly Scott Bakula as FBI Agent Brian Shepard.

The voice over narration is the stand out highlight of the film as we enter into the mind of character of who himself, doesn't really know what's true and what isn't. Despite Whitacre's questionable decisions and dirty dealings, thanks to Damon's performance, we are able to sympathise with a man who at the end of it all, is just human. Not a villain, not a hero but just a human.