High-octane Crime Drama with a Powerful Emotional Heartbeat
In the world of crime thrillers, "The Informer" stands out as a gritty and intense addition to the genre. Based on the Swedish novel "Tre Sekunder" by Roslund & Hellström, the movie tells a compelling story of a man struggling to maintain his integrity while entangled in a dangerous web of crime.
The movie's production journey was not without its challenges. Originally set in a boardroom at the New York FBI office, the script underwent a significant change. The setting was shifted to the parking lot of a Toys R Us or a Target, out the back of a van, for a more cinematic and interesting effect. This change, along with several others, helped to create the tense and gripping atmosphere that permeates the film.
Despite these alterations, the movie remains inspired by the classic New York-set crime thrillers of the 1970s, such as "The French Connection" and films directed by Sidney Lumet. The production company, Thunder Road Films, aimed to maintain this authenticity, focusing on procedural accuracy and avoiding movie cliches.
The story of "The Informer" revolves around Pete Koslow, a former special operations soldier working as an informant for the FBI. Coerced into returning to prison to take down the Polish mafia's drug trade in New York, Pete finds himself living a double life, trying to fight his way back to be with his family. Joel Kinnaman, a Swedish-born actor best known for his roles in AMC's The Killing, Warner Bros' Suicide Squad, Netflix series Altered Carbon and House of Cards, was cast as Pete Koslow, bringing a raw intensity to the role.
Rosamund Pike, known for her roles in films like "Gone Girl" and "A United Kingdom", plays FBI Agent Erica Wilcox in the movie. Pike expressed interest in the role after reading the script, drawn to the complex character and the opportunity to work with Joel Kinnaman.
The production team, including Kinnaman and Italian actor-writer-director Andrea Di Stefano, worked diligently to bring research-driven details into the world and the tradecraft of the movie. Di Stefano's take on the script focused more on the character of Pete and his family, adding an emotional core to the story.
The movie was optioned by British producer Ollie Madden for Shine Productions in the UK, and the production company for the movie remains Thunder Road Films. After a reshuffle, Italian actor-writer-director Andrea Di Stefano took over the film's direction, steering it towards its intense and riveting final form.
"The Informer" is a testament to the power of a well-crafted story and a dedicated production team. With its gritty realism, intense action, and emotional depth, it promises to be a standout addition to the crime thriller genre.
