I'm not sure who decided it was a good idea to sell Steven Soderbergh's THE INFORMANT! like a formula '80s comedy, but, shockingly, it works splendidly. (I mean, has anyone used The Eurythmics' "Would I Lie to You" in a trailer since LIAR, LIAR?)
Based on Kurt Eichenwald's nonfiction bestseller, the film stars Matt Damon as Mark Whitacre, the real-life corporate whistleblower who exposed agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland's price fixing scheme. Though Whitacre did end up being crucial to the FBI's investigation into ADM's misbehavior, he also gave them headaches due to his manic-depressive behavior. In other words, if Soderbergh's succeeded (and one of readers claims he has), this could play a little like the comedic version of MICHAEL CLAYTON.
Judging from the trailer, Damon looks like he might be chasing a Best Actor Oscar later this year (about damn time). This could also be the beginning of a Scott Bakula comeback, which would be incredibly welcome.
THE INFORMANT! is due on on October 9th. I wouldn't be surprised if it debuts at either the Toronto or New York Film Festival.
