In inside man, we watch from two perspectives, the detectives trying to solve the robbery, and the robbers themselves. As Rafter discussed, we often like to watch these films because we enjoy feeling 'bad' for a little while, but ultimately watching the bad people suffer at the end. In this movie, it combines the two in an unusual way; with the robbers getting away with the crime, but the 'ultimate' bad guy, a Nazi, getting caught. Even as the robbers are free, and in that way order is not restored, it is in another sense. The detective finds the ring in the safety deposit box, and confronts our 'ultimate' bad guy, as well as his helper and the mayor. Even the detective ends up with a little loot, as our main robber put a diamond in his pocket, so that he might propose to his girlfriend. All of this adds up to a very appealing film, that we can be bad while doing good, and get away with it.
Some ideologies in place here are that while detectives should be smart, often, criminals are smarter, or at least a little ahead. Also, that some criminals are good at heart, rather than malicious. It is less difficult in our minds to decide that a criminal is doing something for a good reason, instead of for sheer selfishness. We prefer to see the good, and ignore the bad. Lastly, another ideology in place here is that there is corruption in every level of government. The mayor knows a 'fixer', as he has used her in the past. Clearly this puts the 'bad guys' in a state of 'good', as they are attempting to right the wrong that the bank owner committed. The bank owner uses his 'fixer' contact, who in turn uses the Mayor, who in turn attempts to use the police force, with some success.
Overall, we find these narratives so appealing because it allows us to think that being bad can still be good, and we will win out in the end.
