Steven Soderberg works again with Matt Damon to bring to the screen the true story of Mark Whitacre based on Kurt Eichenwald’s book. Whitacre is an executive in the US firm ADM who turned whistle blower in the early 1990’s. Hes intelligent, wealthy and in a position of trust when he becomes a spy for the FBI, recording hours of tapes over years to expose the company that he works for. Unfortunately Whitacre begins to thrive on being a ‘spy’ and who, if anyone, is telling the truth.
Once you get over the shock of seeing Matt Damon look portly and sporting a comedy tash you find, underneath, an enjoyable amusing movie. Its not a comedy as such, I found myself smiling rather than laughing out loud as you follow Whitacres increasingly erratic behaviour. The audience is, for a large part of the film, left out of the truth in the story and you are left not quite believing your ears – which partially mirrors FBI officer Shepards (Bakula) reaction.
Damon is great as always making you feel sympathy for a difficult to understand and confusing character. He appears on one hand to be a an intelligent, family man, upper management concerned about price fixing whereas he also appears to be a fantasist, who leaps from one lie to another while revelling in his ‘spy’ status.
I liked this film but didn’t love it, I feel that it falls between genres – people who go to this movie wanting a comedy will be disappointed, people who go wanting a drama, will also be disappointed. There is a serious side to Whitacre’s behaviour but when this is revealed it feels rushed over. I also feel that the story remains the same there is no dramatic punch to the film which is a shame as this film could have been so much more.
Directed by Steven Soderberg
Cast:
Matt Damon – Mark Whitacre
Scott Bakula – Brian Shepard
Melanie Lynskey – Ginger Whitacre
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