Inside Man | DVD Review

Spike Lee manages to make his mark on the heist genre with the well cast cat-and-mouse thriller, “Inside Man”, by making it difficult to decide which of the two leads play the mouse. The directors’ brand is all over this by way of soundtrack, cinematography, and the less present, but still there, racial commentary, and although more polished then his previous films it excels mainly due to the strong script he has to work from, which surprisingly, is by first time screen-writer Russell Gewirtz.

The main plot features the standard “bank robbers holding hostages to make off with the loot and the detective who wants to get everyone out safe” storyline, but the sub plot is where the fun is, managing to introduce an array of supporting characters that had never been seen before, a new breed of upper crust scum. Jodie Foster’s problem solver for the rich and Christopher Plummer’s respected bank owner with a dark past are original characters, and well developped enough to merit a discussion after seeing the film. Without these characters or their storylines this film could have probably sustained itself simply on the calm cool of the leads (Denzel and Clive), but would have lacked the originality in motive for both the robber and the detective. It’s admitted by Spike himself that this film was to be something that could make the director commercially viable in the eyes of the people that finance his more intimate projects. Teaming up with mega-producer Brian Grazer, who was matched previously for similar reasons with the Coen Bros. (Intolerable Cruelty), must have allowed for a more pampered production, but be warned things have been watered down a tad. Regardless, if judging this film as entertainment or against indie fluff, it hits the spot better then Swordfish and Heist respectively.

By the end of the film we are faced with a typical moral dilemma about doing the right thing and what that really is in this day and age. It might not pack the same punch as Spikes earlier work but it stings nevertheless. The opening monologue, performed with all the confidence in the world by Clive Owen talking to the audience, is in particular a success in that it not only does it avoid being “funny”, but serves its purpose in causing the viewer to look harder throughout the film then they might have had it not been there. It’s a gimmick, sure, but it worked.


This disc contains a standard “making of” featurette and deleted scenes combo, as well as the more appealing commentary by Spike Lee and a featurette that sees Spike and Denzel talking one on one, appropriately titled “Number 4” (referring to this, their 4th film together as director and actor). Of the deleted scenes there was only one that had me wishing it had stayed in, and it’s where our 2 detectives (the other, another well played supporting role by Chjwetel Ejiofor) are discussing the meaning of Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry”. Short, sweet and very funny. Spike’s commentary is far more entertaining and informative then most. The man sounds like he speaks from the heart no matter what he’s saying, but its still pretty standard (at least you’ll find out why Jodie’s character dresses the way she does!). Finally “Number 4” is not an essential watch as it features the 2 masters of their domain offering each many a pat on the back, but again, is a heartfelt exchange that is still nice to see. Mutual respect rules!

Overall in covering the basics and throwing in a few extra treats it makes for a disc that isn’t needlessly bloated, yet contains enough to satisfy a viewer who’d like to linger in the films production for a few hours.

Seeing this film a second time is probably enough, and though enjoyable, is unnecessary. It will make for perfect Sunday afternoon viewing, or something you can have on in the background to kill the malaise in case conversation among guests dies down. It looks good and has enough extras to make buying a previously viewed copy at your local Blockbuster an acceptable choice.

Movie rating – 2.5

Disc Rating – 3