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You can tell he [Soderbergh] is a fan of classic cinema by how he lovingly imitates what has come before.

Based on the 2000 non-fiction book of the same name by Kurt Eichenwald, The Informant! tells the story of Mark Whitacre (played by Matt Damon).  Mark works for the Archer Daniels Midland Company, a conglomerate that processes cereal grain and oilseeds into just about anything you would find while strolling down your local grocery store aisles.  It comes to Mark’s attention that a virus that has begun destroying the lysine in ADM’s corn supply could actually be the work of corporate saboteurs.  Mark brings this attention to his supervisors who decide that it might be a good idea to call in the FBI to investigate the situation further.

When FBI agent, Brian Shepard (Scott Bakula) comes to the Whitacre home to install some listening devices, Mark opens up to him about being involved in a lysine price-fixing scheme.  It turns out that the heads of numerous agricultural companies (ADM being one of them) have been meeting to organize an effort to raise the price of lysine.  Unable to continue with the lying that his employers have requested (or demanded) of him, Mark not only admits to the plot but also agrees to wear a wire for three years to help the FBI build it’s case.

Despite numerous doubts and misgivings about Mark Whitacre within the FBI, there’s no doubt that the man gets results.  Soon, enough evidence is uncovered to bring charges against just about everyone working at ADM.  Everything is going smoothly until we find out that Mark had been stealing millions of dollars from the company while cooperating with the feds.  Unable to believe that this seemingly simple and almost buffoon-like man could be capable of such a plot, the FBI (and the audience) are left to dig for the truth to find out if this whistleblower had pure intentions or if it was all just premeditated misdirection.

Steven Soderbergh has definitely had enough practice in the realm of corporate espionage and caper/heist films with movies like Erin Brockovich, The Limey, Traffic and Ocean’s Eleven (Twelve and Thirteen) under his belt.  You can tell he is a fan of classic cinema by how he lovingly imitates what has come before… most noticeable to me in his more recent work.  And when I say “imitates”, I don’t mean it’s up and in your face like when Tarantino does it.  It’s a lot more subtle.  Don’t get me wrong, Quentin’s style fits him and works very well for the stories he tries to tell.  The same goes for Soderbergh and his method.  Of all of the little nods you might catch while watching The Informant!, the most effective would have to be the Marvin Hamlisch soundtrack.  From the first bit of music, you are immediately transported back to great con movies like The Sting (also featured the work of Hamlisch… good movie).  Heist movies have relied heavily on heavy beats and upbeat Elvis rehashes in recent years.  It’s nice to watch a film with a soundtrack that is solitary and unique and reflects so well within the main character of Mark Whitacre.

While Matt Damon’s performance as Mark Whitacre is nothing short of inspired, what really pulls this film together is the excellent cast surrounding him.  I’ve never been a huge fan of Scott Bakula but the man turns in a performance very reminiscent of Robert Forster in Jackie Brown.  Very sympathetic, very likeable and you hate seeing him put in the situation he finds himself in.  Star of Community and host of The Soup, Joel McHale plays FBI agent Robert Herndon (Brian Shepard’s partner).  Immediately you think, “Okay… here come the snarky one-liners.” but we don’t get that at all and instead see the very capable acting chops of Mr. McHale.  Also keep an eye out for comedians Allan Havey, Paul F. Tompkins and Patton Oswalt in great minor roles.

I’ll admit that it doesn’t possess that “Ocean’s Eleven” energy and that makes sense.  It’s a very different kind of movie.  But you know there will be audiences expecting the quick cuts and clever little heist outline scenes so best that I reveal that much.  It can also take a sudden dark turn now and then that leaves you feeling a little like someone just stole your dog.  But with that in mind, I still say that The Informant! is every bit as smart, wickedly funny and engaging a con movie as your likely to find.

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