THE INSIDER recounts the chain of events that pitted an ordinary man against the tobacco industry and dragged two people into the fight of their lives. Academy Award(R)-winner Al Pacino (1990 Best Actor; SCENT OF A WOMAN; THE RECRUIT) gives a powerful performance as veteran 60 MINUTES producer Lowell Bergman and Academy Award(R) Winner Russell Crowe (2000 Best Actor; GLADIATOR; A BEAUTIFUL MIND) co-stars as the ultimate insider; former tobacco executive Dr. Jeffrey Wigand. When Wigand is fired by his employer -- one of the largest tobacco companies in America -- he agrees to become a paid consultant for a story Bergman is working on regarding alleged unethical practices within the tobacco industry. But what begins as a temporary alliance leads to a lengthy battle for both men to save their reputations; and much; much more. As they soon find out; Corporate America will use all legal means at its disposal to save a billion-dollar-a-year habit. And as the corporate giants soon find out; Bergman and Wigand are honorable men; driven to smoke out the evidence. Also starring Christopher Plummer (MALCOLM X) as anchor Mike Wallace and Gina Gershon (FACE/OFF); THE INSIDER will chill you with its cold; hard edge -- and thrill you with its unbelievable twists and turns.