Cast
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Cary Elwes
as Lt. David Ferris
Anthony Brophy
as Gingy McAnally
Timothy Dalton
as DCI Rennie
Maria Lennon
as Roisin McAnally
Sean McGinley
as Frankie Conroy
John Kavanagh
as IRA Chief
Frankie McCafferty
as Dalton
Stuart Graham
as Det. Asley
Gary Lydon
as Det. McDonough
Sean Kearns
as Det. Prentice
B.J. Hogg
as Constable Goss
Ciarán Fitzgerald
as Gerard McAnally
Virginia Cole
as Roisin's Ma
Gary Lammin
as Cpl. Jones
James Gaddas
as British I.O.
Crew
Director
- Jim McBride
Producer
- Leon Falk
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/War/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Informant distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Jim McBride brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Informant took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2371 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 119 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Informant shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Blown Away, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Informant subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Jackie Brown and The Name of the Rose explore similar territory, The Informant stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 15, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 45m
