Directed by
Steven Soderbergh
Made by
Warner Bros. Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of The Informant! (2009). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As the narrative unfolds, Mark Whitacre, portrayed by Matt Damon, starts off by revealing the pervasive role of corn in nearly every meal consumed, emphasizing that his employer, ADM, plays a crucial role in the production of this staple. He is at the helm of ADM’s lysine production, a key additive in the livestock industry, but faces mounting challenges that lead to financial losses for the company. Whitacre soon discloses that ADM is falling prey to a saboteur and cites a Japanese colleague demanding $10 million to provide information. Consequently, ADM enlists the FBI’s assistance to tap Whitacre’s home phone.
When FBI agent Brian Shepard arrives to install listening devices, Whitacre’s wife Ginger urges him to come clean. In a moment of tension, he persuades Brian to talk in the agent’s car, suspecting that ADM has bugged his house. He discloses that ADM is involved in colluding with Japanese and Korean companies for price fixing. This admission prompts Brian to report his findings, showcasing evidence of extensive corporate malfeasance. However, when ADM discovers the breadth of FBI surveillance, they cut ties with the agency and instruct Whitacre to cease cooperation.
Initially, Whitacre denies any ongoing wrongdoing at ADM. Yet, he is cornered by Brian and another agent, Robert Herndon, in a hotel, where he ultimately admits to fabricating the mole and extortion story to deflect blame for his own lack of productivity. Embracing the role of informant, Whitacre oscillates between altruism and personal ambition, as he harbors desires to unseat ADM executives and ascend to the presidency of the company. He begins clandestine recording sessions, completing over 200 tapes filled with entertaining anecdotes that detail corporate crimes.
The FBI manages to capture incriminating video evidence from ADM’s meetings with foreign competitors with Whitacre’s valuable assistance. Although the FBI is pleased with the findings, securing the Justice Department’s confidence proves to be a challenge. After two years of effort driven by Whitacre’s revelations, the FBI orchestrates a monumental raid on ADM, seizing records and computers. In a bid to divert suspicion from himself, Whitacre is advised by the FBI to inform his employer about his cooperation while securing independent legal representation.
However, the raid triggers a fallout for Whitacre, as he becomes an outcast in the corporate world and his family faces exclusion. Despite a confidential arrangement, details of his case leak to the Wall Street Journal. Meetings with agents Brian and Robert ensue, where Whitacre divulges his long-standing practice of embezzlement, though he alters the sum he misappropriated—ultimately claiming over $11 million. His complex scheme involved creating a shell company that issued fabricated invoices to ADM, though the intricacies of his fraud remain murky.
As investigations intensify, Whitacre’s world collapses around him, and he experiences an emotional breakdown, revealing that he suffers from Bipolar Disorder—a diagnosis that he later aims to use as part of his defense. The narrative unveils fabricated tales of a lavish upbringing, a staged kidnapping, and ongoing media interactions that defy his attorneys’ guidance. His legal team ultimately parts ways when he refuses a plea bargain, prompting him to hire a questionable new lawyer who tries to leverage a supposed assault by Brian as a point of appeal.
After weaving a tapestry of lies, Whitacre’s confrontation with Brian culminates in a moment of despair, prompting him to seek hospitalization. The story shifts dramatically to his sentencing, where Whitacre delivers a convoluted statement, admitting to his medication regimen. The judge, however, dismisses any connection between his mental health and the extensive fraud he perpetrated, resulting in a nine-year prison sentence—three times longer than that served by the executives implicated as a result of his tapes.
With the support of agent Robert, Whitacre petitions for a presidential pardon, confessing that his embezzlement was a misguided safety net in the event of losing his job due to his role as an informant. Although his request for clemency is denied, his contributions are pivotal in one of the largest price-fixing cases recorded, leading to multimillion-dollar penalties imposed on ADM. Ultimately, the audience is left with a profound image of Whitacre’s release from prison, greeted by Ginger, along with the revelation that he has assumed the role of COO at Cypress Systems.
Track the key events of The Informant! (2009) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Corn's Ubiquity and Whitacre's Role
Mark Whitacre emphasizes the prevalence of corn in our diets, highlighting its importance in the products made by his employer, ADM. As head of lysine production, he faces challenges as the company begins to suffer financial losses.
Allegations of Sabotage
Whitacre reveals to ADM that a saboteur may be impacting their operations, claiming a Japanese employee demands $10 million for a tip-off. This revelation leads ADM to seek assistance from the FBI to investigate the situation further.
FBI Surveillance Begins
FBI agent Brian Shepard arrives to install surveillance equipment in Whitacre's home as part of their investigation. Amidst the tension, Whitacre privately discusses his concerns, suspecting his house is bugged.
Confession of Price Fixing
During a clandestine meeting, Whitacre informs Brian about ADM's involvement in price-fixing with Japanese and Korean companies. This admission propels the FBI's investigation into the corporate malfeasance at ADM.
Cutting Ties with the FBI
Realizing that the FBI is surveilling them, ADM abruptly severs ties with the agency and instructs Whitacre to stop his cooperation. This places Whitacre between his employer's demands and the FBI's expectations.
Fabrication of the Mole Story
Cornered by FBI agents in a hotel, Whitacre confesses to creating the fabricated story of a mole and extortion to deflect blame from his own failures at work. This marks his transition into the role of an informant.
Clandestine Recordings
Whitacre undertakes more than 200 covert recordings, filled with revealing anecdotes about corporate crimes at ADM. His efforts spotlight the depths of corruption within the company, aiding the FBI's case significantly.
FBI Raid on ADM
After two years of continuous investigations fueled by Whitacre's revelations, the FBI conducts a major raid on ADM, seizing critical records and computers. This pivotal event marks the beginning of a full-blown inquiry into the corporation.
Fallout from the Raid
In the aftermath of the FBI raid, Whitacre finds himself ostracized by his peers in the corporate world. Despite being an informant, details of his case leak to the press, putting further strain on him and his family.
Admission of Embezzlement
In subsequent meetings with the FBI, Whitacre reveals his long-practiced embezzlement scheme, adjusting the amount he misappropriated to over $11 million. His fraudulent activities involved creating a shell company for fabricated invoices.
Emotional Breakdown
As investigations deepen, Whitacre experiences an emotional breakdown, disclosing his Bipolar Disorder diagnosis. He hopes this revelation will serve as part of his defense amidst the legal turmoil he is facing.
Legal Battles and Lies
Despite his attorney's advice, Whitacre refuses a plea deal, leading to the departure of his legal team. He opts for a less credible attorney, complicating his defense as he continues to weave a complicated narrative.
Seeking Hospitalization
In a moment of despair, Whitacre seeks hospitalization due to his deteriorating mental state. This low point in his life underscores the intense pressure he faces due to his own fabrications and legal struggles.
Sentencing and Acceptance
During his sentencing, Whitacre delivers a convoluted statement, admitting the medications he is on. Despite his mental health claims, the judge issues a nine-year prison sentence for his extensive fraud, a far harsher penalty than those received by ADM executives.
Pardon Petition and Aftermath
With support from agent Robert, Whitacre petitions for a presidential pardon, framing his embezzlement as a misguided protection against job loss. Although his clemency request is denied, his actions lead to substantial penalties against ADM, marking a notable chapter in corporate accountability.
Release and New Beginnings
The film concludes with Whitacre's release from prison, where he is greeted by his wife, Ginger. In a surprising turn, it is revealed that Whitacre has taken on the role of COO at Cypress Systems, suggesting a new chapter in his tumultuous life.
Meet the characters that bring The Informant! (2009) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon)
Mark Whitacre is a complex protagonist whose motivations oscillate between altruism and self-interest. Initially presented as a whistleblower, his character unravels to reveal deep-seated issues with truthfulness and integrity. His charm masks a web of deception that ultimately leads to his downfall.
Ginger Whitacre
Ginger serves as a moral compass for Mark, urging him to tell the truth during his tumultuous journey. Her character highlights the personal toll of corporate deceit, illustrating how familial bonds can be strained under the burden of secrets and lies.
Brian Shepard
FBI agent Brian Shepard plays a pivotal role in unraveling the deceit within ADM. As a dedicated agent, he must navigate the complexities of Whitacre's shifting narratives while maintaining the integrity of the investigation. His professionalism contrasts with Whitacre's chaotic behavior.
Robert Herndon
Agent Robert Herndon complements Brian's efforts, showcasing the collaborative nature of law enforcement. His presence provides critical support as the investigation intensifies, adding depth to the challenges faced by the FBI in their pursuit of justice.
Uncover the settings of The Informant! (2009), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events of the film take place in the late 1990s to early 2000s, a period marked by significant changes in corporate governance and increased scrutiny over unethical business practices. During this time, the tech boom began to reshape industries and highlight the need for accountability in corporate behavior.
Location
ADM Headquarters, Chicago
ADM Headquarters serves as a central location for the corporate scheming depicted in the film. Known as a global leader in agricultural processing, the facility's backdrop highlights the high-stakes world of business ethics and corporate espionage. Chicago's urban environment symbolizes the intricate connections between powerful businesses and the legal complications they face.
Explore the core themes of The Informant! (2009). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Corporate Ethics
The film explores the complexities of corporate ethics and the moral ambiguities in business practices. Whitacre's transition from a devoted employee to an informant illustrates the blurred lines between right and wrong, showcasing how personal ambition can overshadow ethical responsibilities.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a pervasive theme in the narrative, as Whitacre betrays both his employer and the trust of his colleagues. His actions not only unravel his own life but also lead to far-reaching consequences for ADM and the individuals involved, encapsulating the profound impact of personal choices.
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Mental Health
Whitacre's struggle with Bipolar Disorder serves as a critical element of his character arc. The film delves into how mental health can affect decision-making and personal integrity, challenging the audience to consider the intersection of personal crisis and professional misdeeds.
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