 Director
Christopher Nolan first intrigued audiences with
independent films Following and Memento, and he
continues his hot streak with his first mainstream film, Insomnia.
Here, instead of changing the chronology of the story to create suspense,
he lets the main character’s increasing sense of fogginess from
sleeplessness and guilt build the tension. Al Pacino
plays Will Dormer, a veteran L.A. cop who is sent with his partner
Hap (Martin Donovan) to a remote Alaskan town during
the time of Midnight Sun to help investigate a brutal murder. Although
most of the local brass don’t appreciate their presence, Will
finds a way to break open the case. But something terrible happens
when a chase of the suspect ensues. And it later turns out that the
suspect (Robin Williams) has compromising information
about Will. As Will gets more and more tired, both physically and
mentally, his world closes in around him. The
story of Insomnia, based on a Norwegian 1997 film of the
same name, is well-developed and interesting in both its physical
and psychological aspects; there is a lot of fodder for discussion
after the film. The acting is also excellent, especially from the
leads as well as Hilary Swank as a green but observant
local cop. And Nolan’s distinctive filming style adds to the
feeling of psychic unraveling. Although you may feel tired from
the suspense at the end of this movie, Insomnia will keep
you wide awake until the very end.
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