Insomnia (2002)

Dir Christopher Nolan

Writers Hillary Seitz, Nikolaj Frobenius, Erik Skjoldjaeg

Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank, Martin Donavan, Maura Tierney, Paul Dooley, Nicky Katt.

A seasoned LA Detective Will Dormer (Pacino), along with his partner (Donavan) are called to assist a rural Alaskan town of Nightmute, after one of the young teen girls has been murdered. Dormer is trying to forget a pending Internal Affairs investigation that may see him stripped of his badge. Upon arrival, his investigation leads to local author Walter Fitch (Williams).

When a tragic accident occurs, the killer reveals himself – but with his knowledge of what occurred in the accident, a psychological game of cat and mouse begins. Dormer, becoming more and more sleep deprived in the perpeptual daylight, his skills start depleating.

One of Nolan’s earlier projects, is still one that I think is very well done. Williams plays one of the only villains of his career, and it is quite confronting to see him play such a role. Despite his lack of screen time (not appearing on screen until nearly an hour into the proceedings. He is the MVP within the film.

Pacino, who if I am being completely honest I have never been the biggest fan of, is in his element as the seasoned cop, who has his demons. As his sleep depravation gets worse and worse, his subtle sleepwalking style here makes sense.

The score by David Julyan, who was Nolan’s frequen collaborator for his early work complements the tone of the film nicely, especially within the stunning locations within the Alaskan backdrop.

While this is not known as one of Nolan’s better films, it is still a solid effort. There is plenty of tense scenes, where heavy dialogue is paired with close up work – and this is bookmarked with the stunning backdrop.

I highly recommend this film. It is a great thriller, with amazing performances.

4/5