Films where a character finds out he's on the wrong team.

[CutteRug]

Hey all,

Looking for films where the main character thinks s/he's on the good guys' team, and somewhere in the story finds out it's actually the opposite.

Also, stories in the "Michael Clayton" family - i.e., where the main character is pretty cynical and knows he's part of a crooked system, but finally finds a line he won't cross - those will work too. . .

But best would be a more riteous lead who finds out he's one of the bad guys - and once he does, his old friends decide to throw him off the boat, rather than have him jump ship.

Thanks for any leads you can provide.

Cheers,

Adam

[Mac H.]

Re: Films where a character finds out he's on the wrong team.

The obvious is 'The Firm'. (Well, he always knew he was a lawyer, so couldn't have been that clean..)

Mac

[beejay]

Re: Films where a character finds out he's on the wrong team.

> main character thinks s/he's on the good guys' team, and somewhere in the story finds out it's actually the opposite.

There are quite a few heist films where things spin out of control,
and one of the characters says, "We weren't supposed to kill anyone."

can't think of any right this second -- the coffee is still brewing

****

some others that come to mind. Not saying these exactly fit the definition,
but they are worth
checking out if you haven't seen them.

The subplot in Changing Lanes — Ben Affleck realizing the error of his moral choices — and turning against his father-in-law.

The Insider — we don't see Jeff Wigand actually working at Brown and Williamson
and thinking he's on the good team. But at some point, he turns on the
tobacco industry.

Serpico — Moral cop turns on his corrupted mates.

The Boiler Room (2000) might be worth renting.


also, there are a handful of great whistleblower movies:

Norma Rae, China Sydrome, Silkwood, Marie (1985) and
Erin Brockovich are worth looking into.

[beejay]

Re: Films where a character finds out he's on the wrong team.

ah, speaking of classic political thrillers, add The Conversation (1974) with Gene Hackman.
A paranoid and personally-secretive surveillance expert has a crisis of conscience when he suspects that a couple he is spying on will be murdered

[Cycstorm]

Re: Films where a character finds out he's on the wrong team.

Almost every film where someone "learns something" has at least one character like this.

From Aaron Eckheart in Thank you for Smoking, through to the entire Kobra Kai tournament team in The Karate Kid.

[RogerOThornhill]

Re: Films where a character finds out he's on the wrong team.

Devil's Advocate.

[CutteRug]

Re: Films where a character finds out he's on the wrong team.

Thanks everyone for the replies!

Of the suggestions so far, the closest to what I need is probably The Firm, although I'd like to find something where the character has been with the "firm" for some time (like years) and then finds out his bosses (and some colleagues) are totally fvcked.

Gotta check out Serpico. To be honest, I don't think I've ever truly seen it front to back.

Thanks again. Any more that pop to mind, feel free!

Cheers,

Adam

[Kevan]

Re: Films where a character finds out he's on the wrong team.

Thanks everyone for the replies!

Gotta check out Serpico. To be honest, I don't think I've ever truly seen it front to back.

Great film and a fantastic character performance by Pacino.. Gritty stuff!!

[Fortean]

On The Wrong Team

THE INNER CIRCLE and DER UNTERGANG (DOWNFALL) might be worth a view.

[RKBentley]

Re: Films where a character finds out he's on the wrong team.

Val Kilmer in Thunderheart.

[vmf]

Re: Films where a character finds out he's on the wrong team.

Val Kilmer in Thunderheart.

That's a good one, and I'd also add LA Confidential to the list.

And while not a main character switch, I'll never forget that poor recruit in Die Hard 2, bless his soul.

[MacG]

Re: Films where a character finds out he's on the wrong team.

A personal fave of mine: SNEAKERS

[RKBentley]

Re: Films where a character finds out he's on the wrong team.

A personal fave of mine: SNEAKERS

Ah, yes. "It's your MOTHER, calling!"

Great soundtrack.

[Sundancer]

Re: Films where a character finds out he's on the wrong team.

Training Day?