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By Popcorn Avenger In Christopher Nolan's follow-up to the film noir thriller Memento, he shows that he is the new master of this genre. While the story is captivating enough, the strength of this film lies in the director's ability to intertwine the internal struggles of a morally drained good cop Will Dormer(Al Pacino) with his inability to sleep after being transplanted to the white nights of Alaska. The insomnia Will suffers is both trouble at the missing pieces of the current crime he investigates as well as his guilt over a lifetime of investigation in an ends-justifies-the-means world. The Academy Award winning cast excel in relatively calm and understated roles. While often actors are lauded for the bravado of over-the-top performances, we often forget that sometimes the best acting is in the understated. That being said, both Robin Williams (who turns in a haunting performance) and Al Pacino (who should rightfully stand alongside other Oscar contenders next March) execute some of their best work in recent years. The supporting cast is equally effective (Martin Donovan who has been a hidden treasure in the Hal Hartley stable of actors especially stands out). Insonnia is quite possibly one of the best thrillers to come along since Manhunter or Se7en.   Back to Movie Index |
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