criterionforum.org

Posted: **Tue Apr 01, 2008 11:41 pm**

This has been in the works forever. Warner acquired it for Soderbergh six years ago, and Matt Damon has been attached for five. It finally starts shooting this month.

[i]The Hollywood Reporter[/i] wrote:NEW YORK -- "The Soup" host Joel McHale, Scott Bakula and a host of comedic actors are set to star opposite Matt Damon in Steven Soderbergh's darkly comic thriller "The Informant" for Warner Independent Pictures, Participant Media and Groundswell Prods.

Bakula and McHale, who is in final negotiations, will play FBI agents working with agri-business insider Mark Whitacre (Damon) to stop a price-fixing scam. The film is based on Kurt Eichenwald's 2000 best-seller "The Informant: A True Story."

Other new cast members known for their comedic turns are Mike O'Malley (CBS' "Yes, Dear"), Andrew Daly ("Semi-Pro"), Adam Paul (Starz's "Hollywood Residential") and Melanie Lynskey (CBS' "Two and a Half Men"). Comedian-actors Tom Wilson, Rick Overton and Tom Papa will round out the cast.

Although the subject matter is serious, one behind-the-scenes informant said Soderbergh is looking to create a thriller with dark comedy elements. He chose comedic actors who haven't been overexposed on film, planning to have them play their roles seriously and have a humorous tone emerge naturally.

The prestige film is a breakthrough for McHale, who has gained a cult following on the same E! series that gave Greg Kinnear his start. It also marks one of the biggest big-screen roles for Bakula ("Quantum Leap," "Enterprise").

Jennifer Fox and Gregory Jacobs are producing for Participant and Michael London's Groundswell. Scott Z. Burns adapted the book for the screen. Principal photography is set to begin this month.

Posted: **Wed Apr 02, 2008 12:33 am**

Joel McHale plus Soderbergh = \:D/

Posted: **Wed Apr 02, 2008 3:10 pm**

As a dedicated Soup addict I also applaud this inspired casting.

Posted: **Wed Apr 02, 2008 4:26 pm**

King Prendergast wrote:As a dedicated Soup addict I also applaud this inspired casting.

I recently discovered this show (I'm so thankful for Tyra Banks' existence now,) despite the show being around for forever, and also agree that that is an inspired casting choice. I'm already looking forward to this.

Posted: **Thu Apr 03, 2008 12:06 am**

Unrelated to this particular movie, but doesn't Soderbergh owe HDNet 5 more films? As a big fan of Bubble, I was looking forward to more work in the regional/improvised vein.

Posted: **Fri May 09, 2008 3:17 am**

Matt Damon on set pics.

Posted: **Fri May 09, 2008 4:18 am**

I had no idea Teddy Roosevelt was in this

Posted: **Fri May 09, 2008 4:35 am**

I was thinking more Cary Elwes

Posted: **Fri May 09, 2008 4:37 am**

HerrSchreck wrote:I was thinking more Cary Elwes

I'm forwarding this thread to Oliver Stone for his forthcoming Ted

Posted: **Fri Jun 27, 2008 1:32 am**

Matt Damon has stolen my look.

Posted: **Tue Dec 30, 2008 4:29 am**

Slated for release on September 18, 2009. Looks like they're gunning for Oscar. Here are a few new pics.

Posted: **Tue Dec 30, 2008 9:11 pm**

The Girlfriend Experience is produced by Mark Cuban and Todd Wagner, so I think it's safe to assume that will fill one of his HDNet obligations. And Sasha Grey + HD is an equation that just makes sense.

Posted: **Wed Jul 01, 2009 2:54 am**

Trailer, now in Quicktime HD and one of the best poster designs in ages.

Spoiler

Soderbergh and corn

Posted: **Wed Jul 01, 2009 2:55 am**

Music by Marvin Hamlisch and the Bergmans! The return of seventies pop melodrama?

Posted: **Wed Jul 01, 2009 3:07 am**

That trailer indicates a film far more playful and insouciant than I was expecting. Exclamation point is part of the official title, since it appears in the credit block. Wacky.

Posted: **Wed Jul 01, 2009 4:37 am**

I'm sold. Sodebergh working with Buster Bluth and Biff Tannen is inspired casting, unlike the self-aggrandizing waste that is Sasha Grey. Plus Damon looks to be an excellent comic lead.

Posted: **Wed Jul 01, 2009 4:59 am**

Damon's comic abilities have always been underrated, if you ask me.

Anyone have a link to the poster image? I can't seem to find it anywhere.

Posted: **Wed Jul 01, 2009 5:18 am**

I was referring to the image on Apple's page and the official site, which I assume will be a teaser poster image.

Posted: **Wed Jul 01, 2009 5:45 am**

Ah. Very 40-year-old Virgin-esque

Posted: **Wed Jul 01, 2009 6:24 am**

It's a bit obvious, but I kind of like the 'lie' in the middle of Matt Damon's forehead.

I exaggerated how good the image is, by the way. Not actually one of the best in ages.

Posted: **Wed Jul 01, 2009 2:38 pm**

The golden lighting is gorgeous.

Posted: **Wed Jul 01, 2009 3:59 pm**

I didn't realize Buster was in this. Fantastic! Based on the trailer it looks like fun. "Corn!"

Posted: **Wed Jul 01, 2009 4:20 pm**

Buster?

Posted: **Wed Jul 01, 2009 4:39 pm**

flyonthewall2983 wrote:Buster?

Tony Hale (Buster from the show Arrested Development)

Posted: **Wed Jul 01, 2009 5:51 pm**

Oh ok, I thought you were implying a David Johansen bit part.

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The Informant! (Steven Soderbergh, 2009)

The Informant! (Steven Soderbergh, 2009)

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