Inside Man
Overview
Inside Man is a 2006 heist thriller film directed by Spike Lee, starring Denzel Washington as Detective Keith Frazier, a hostage negotiator; Clive Owen as Dalton Russell, a charismatic, meticulous bank robber; and Jodie Foster as Madeleine White, a powerful "fixer" who represents the bank's shady founder. The film is a tense, smart, and twisty heist film. Dalton Russell and his team take over a Manhattan bank and hold the hostages. Frazier must negotiate with Russell, but Russell is always one step ahead. Madeleine White is hired to protect the bank's secrets, which are hidden in a safety deposit box. The film is a cat-and-mouse thriller, with a focus on the psychological battle between the characters. Inside Man was a critical and commercial success, earning over $184 million on a $45 million budget. It was praised for its performances, its smart script, and its stylish direction. The film is a clever and entertaining heist film that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. It is considered one of Spike Lee's most accessible and commercially successful films.