An insider story is one that takes place within a character’s own world, and often involves them subverting the structures that define that world. For example, if your main character is part of an Evil Empire, their narrative might involve an internal conflict – whether or not to fight against it.
The 1999 film The Insider is a gripping example of this type of story. It centers on Jeffrey Wigand, a research scientist who uncovers smoking-related corporate malfeasance. The film is a fascinating blend of journalism, ethical conflict, and corporate conspiracies, and it features strong performances from Russell Crowe and Al Pacino. It is shot on location in Washington D.C. and Mississippi, giving it a real-life feel and lending authenticity to its drama.
During the first half of the movie, Wigand is front and center – the audience connects with his struggles and his conflicting loyalties. As the film progresses, however, the focus shifts to 60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman (Pacino), who becomes a crusader of sorts, fighting against the tobacco industry’s corrupting influence on media. This shift in focus leaves a small vacuum that all the great behind-the-scenes machinations can’t fully fill, and it results in the second half of the film feeling slightly off kilter.
Here at Inside Stories, we’ve helped countless business owners climb inside their brand identities and really understand what it is that makes them unique and special. Our co-founder and Storyteller-in-Chief Gareth is a natural at this – he can take a hundred different threads and weave them together into a narrative that bewitch and entrance.
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