Although a certain esteemed colleague of mine would vehemently disagree with my opinion, I think my favorite character in The Informant! would probably have to be the hilariously Laugh-In inspired, assorted Americana-flavored score by national treasure/composer Marvin Hamlisch. I found the music served to keep a consistently absurdist tone throughout what might otherwise have been a pretty grim story. It cleverly highlights the humor of the film, which runs a bit on the dark side. Director Steven Soderbergh (Schizopolis, Che, Ocean’s Eleven) offers his usual non-garden-variety take on a true story of American ambition and folly, rendered here as a period piece set in the early nineties via the seventies. Just one look at the William H. Macy-like moustache sported by titular informant Mark Whitacre (one Matt Damon), and you’ll see what I mean.
Straddling a line somewhere between modern-day morality tale and existential slapstick, The Informant! avoids constructing a universe of absolute truths. Its recounting of a stranger-than-fiction tale of criminal intrigue is presented without much judgment in any one direction. Because, as you can see demonstrated in any well-made period piece, history shouldn’t be read purely in black and white.
Even if the film isn’t a comedy per se, I do wish there had been a few more comedic moments, with all the comic talents that kept popping up: Patton Oswalt, Joel McHale, Paul F. Tompkins, and Arrested Development alum Tony Hale, not to mention Quantum Leap’s own Scott Bakula. I also liked (and wanted to see more of) talented Kiwi actress Melanie Lynskey (Heavenly Creatures, But I’m a Cheerleader, Two and a Half Men) here cast as Whitacre’s devoted wife. But this movie is mostly Damon’s moment. It’s his best look in a movie ever, as far as I’m concerned. This is a great character for him. I’ll admit I have indulged in laughing at the South Park caricature of Matt Damon before, but in this case, he’s really won me over with his acting talents (okay, he was also good in Dogma and The Talented Mr. Ripley). He’s clearly going to prove an inspired older leading man as time goes by.
Perhaps you need a refreshing palate cleanser in between some of those heavy Oscar nominees; one that’s amusing, yet still challenging and grown-up. Maybe you’re a Damon fan, but the only Soderbergh film you’ve seen was Ocean’s Thirteen. Give this movie a watch and I’m guessing you’ll find some pleasant surprises either way. – [DVD] [Blu-Ray]
Comedy/Crime/Drama/Thriller
Rated R
DVD Release Date: 2/23/10
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Wow, awesome review!
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