Ever since the movie version of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood helped to popularize the cinematic blending of fact and fiction, filmmakers have been drawn to the genre — and defamation lawyers have kept watchful eyes on the silver screen.
Now comes The Insider, which tells the fact-based story about the high-stakes struggle to air tobacco whistle-blower Jeffrey Wigand’s allegations on CBS’ 60 Minutes. The movie focuses on cigarette maker Brown & Williamson, which is portrayed none too attractively in the film — and which is making increasingly louder noises about a possible lawsuit against the filmmakers.