 |
|
| Home · Reviews · Interviews · Contests · Blog · Forums · Follow Us On Twitter |
|
by Alex Keen Published: May 2, 2002
The recipe for a great thriller is varied, but the ingredients are always the same. Atmosphere, pace, detail, and skillful acting are essential. Christopher Nolan's latest film makes for a splendid and varied treat. "Insomnia," a remake of a Norwegian film of the same name, is an engrossing and inventive thriller about a complex murder investigation in Alaska. Two Los Angeles detectives are sent up North to help the local investigators find the murderer of a high school girl. While the two detectives are partners, they clearly at odds with one another about an Internal Affairs probe they were involved in, in Los Angeles. Al Pacino plays Detective Will Dormer, the seasoned cop whose work is well known outside of his local precinct. His partner, Hap Eckhart (played by Martin Donovan), is feeling too much heat from the IA investigation, and may sell his partner out to protect his own skin. As the two begin to investigate the leads in Alaska a chase on a foggy beach changes both of their lives, and the investigation forever. As the story unravels, the investigation leads to the introduction of a sympathetic murderer, looking to cover his own skin by making a deal with the police. In an extravagent game of blackmail, the murderer challenges and pushes the investigation so as to attain his freedom. All the while pouting and confessing his misdeeds.
In scenes away from Williams, Pacino avoids his typical "I yell to be heard" style for a simpler and less vocal style also seen in "The Insider." While he's not entirely mute, Pacino allows the story to create the tension instead of his style. He has a few faltering moments when he appears to be playing tired, that fall flat and are somewhat goofy. Williams, who recently played a deranged child entertainer in "Death to Smoochy," continues his attempt to hide his comedic origin, as Pacino's dark and yet sympathetic cinematic foil. The Oscar winner's expressive face works hard to encourage the audiences sympathy. Williams keeps the heat on every minute he's on screen, on every blurred horizon he may appear. Hilary Swank, as a native Alaskan detective, suffers in her role because her character is incredibly underwritten. Swank's character keeps the investigation going, but never really grows out of her "type" to become a character. It is a shame because it is apparent that Swank trys hard to exist beyond her role. It is unfair to blame the actor for this fact, only the source material can be responsible. All of the other performaces are good, including a short but memorable scene involving "ER" star Maura Tierney. Sharing a lodge room with Pacino, Tierney is given one of the most difficult scenes to approach, "the realization scene." All succesful thrillers have to make this scene work, and without Tierney, "Insomnia" could have fallen on it's face late in the game. As Christopher Nolan's follow-up to "Memento," "Insomnia" is a strong and entertaining heir. It should have no problem finding an audience and rising to the top of this year's thriller crop. the only film released so far this year that comes even close is David Fincher's "Panic Room." If M. Night Shymalan's "Signs" lives up to it's potential, the 21st Century's heir to the Hitchcock legend, will be three men instead of one. Overall Rating: A- See how "Insomnia" stacks up against the rest of the summer releases here. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Copyright © 1997-2010 Burlee LLC. All rights reserved. | Reprints | Privacy Policy | Disclosure | About Us/Contact Us | RSS Feed |