Rating: 
Summary: Good, but doesn't live up to the original...
Review: This film is a good showcase for the director of "Momento," but that doesn't hide the fact that this is another Hollywood retelling of a superior foreign film. I wish I was being cynical, but the faults of this picture are too obvious. This shouldn't have been a star vehicle. Yes, Robin Williams is effective, but you still watch this thinking "Wow, this is Robin Willaims." Second, the moral ambiguity and psychological complexity of the original is gone or smoothed over. You know in this one who is good and who is evil, and there is poetic justice for all. I didn't really care to see 1997's haunting thriller become another suspense movie which doesn't give its audience enough credit. I will say that I did enjoy it overall, and will probably purchase this disc. It can sit right next to my copy of the original "Insomnia." But while this one is just good, the original is great. Watch and compare.
Rating: 
Summary: Superbly put together film noir
Review: Anyone who managed to see Christopher Nolan's previous movie 'Memento' last year were lucky enough to view an instant cult classic. Obviously others were equally impressed, for Nolan's first Hollywood effort assembles an impressive cast of established actors and up-and-coming stars. Many were disappointed that Nolan's first movie after the groundbreaking 'Memento' was a re-make (of a small Norweigian film of the same name), yet I think it would be fair to say that most of these people cast aside any thoughts like that when they actually saw the movie. Whilst on the surface this may seem like another routine cop thriller this is actually something that rewrites the genre into something a great deal more interesting. The plot as L.A. cop Pacino and his partner flying out to Alaska and joining local officer Swank in her investigation into the murder of a young girl in the area. However, this isn't exactly as you might think, with the killer being identified fairly rapidly after Pacino accidentally shoots his partner in a chase through the fog.What this film has that other's don't is a director, actor and crew that seem to work in perfect unison and it's not often that you notice the photography or and the sound in a movie, but in 'Insomnia' you definitely will. Pacino is superb as the weary cop, and has never looked as tired as he has here (hence the title), Swank proves that she is more than capable of crossing over to mainstream fare, and Williams is, despite what the critics have said, actually very good as the murderer. It's also wonderful to see Maura Tierny (of 'ER' fame) and Katherine Isabelle, who was so good in 'Ginger Snaps', alongside the big names in a genuinely impressive movie. Part of what makes this such an excellent film (so far possibly the film of the year) is Nolan, who directs with a surefire confidence, coming in close to his actors' troubled faces as if he's trying to read their thoughts. In many ways it's similar to 'Memento', especially during the flashbacks that cleverly echo real life memory, or the close-up view of blood soaking into fabric like a dawning realisation. In addition, the booming sound really makes you jump exactly where Nolan wants you to, and the photography of the gorgeous yet bleak Alaskan landscape is simply fantastic. There's also some interesting theorising on destiny, justice and conscience, but Nolan wisely chooses not to push this in his audience's faces. It's rare that a Hollywood movie is this intelligent, insightful or as plain enjoyable but 'Insomnia' is a prime example and will leave you gagging for the next Nolan picture.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: In my opinion, this movie was like a dream come true! I mean, Al Pachino, THE Al Pachino and THE Robin Williams in one movie! Is there anything closer to heaven? Could there possibly be something not to like? I say no, and if anyone did not like this movie they should seek help immediately!
Rating:
Summary: Marginal Accomplishment for Nolan
Review: This was a quality film, no doubt about it. Christopher Nolan does a superb job of capturing phobias and psychological elements of characters with the obstacles he sets in play. However, I think that in the case of "Insomnia", the photography did not capture enough of the delirium that Pacino's character was experiencing. This left Pacino blinking his eyes and doing his best drunken performance. Why not let the glare of the sun flood the camera? There wasn't enough first person point of view shots to show you how the lack of sleep was affecting him. Particularly in the scene on the back of the boat when Robin Williams character is practically programming his mind. I just didn't "see" the Insomnia as much as I would've liked. Hilary Swank does a decent job of playing the suspicious police officer and Martin Donovan has a chilling raw moment out in the fog that leaves an impression. For the record, I think that a Howard Hughes biography by Nolan is a bad idea. I really hope he sticks with fictional narratives and remakes a Hitchcock film like Vertigo.
Rating: 
Summary: Can't sleep?
Review: This movie will make you want to stay up to see the finish as Robin Williams plays a different and unique role! Pacino is brought in to hunt to an elusive killer (Williams) who local authorities can't pin. The action is suspenseful and Pacino is excellent again! Pacino is joined by a less-than veteran staff of local police trying to hunt down a killer. I enjoyed Robin Williams' role as he tries to work a potential black-mail deal with Pacino as he is suspect in his own partner's questionable death. Pacino is plagued by Internal Affair problems from Los Angeles and Williams wants to exploit this in order to be left alone from Pacino's persistence. This is a great suspenseful movie that I found quite enjoyable as it was great to see Robin Williams in such a different role for a change! Does Williams get caught in the end? Does Pacino avoid the trouble from his partner's death? Buy this DVD and find out!
Rating:
Summary: Great Performance by a great cast
Review: This is one of the most beautifully crafted thrillers to have been made in recent years and that should not be a surprise to fans of Chris Nolan's last effort, the fantastic Memento. As Insomnia begins, Will (Pacino) and his partner Hap (Donavan) are being flown in to help solve the murder of a 17 year-old girl. The story takes a turn when Will kills Hap in a tense and confusing chase in the foggy terrains of Alaska. Will suffers from depression and insomnia which adds to the tension that he is suffering as the investigation continues. Walter (Robin Williams) who is a suspect in the murder is playing mind games with Will, taking advantage of his Insomnia and at the same time trying to jeopardise the investigation, while (Hillary Swank) is a rookie who idolises Will as a model detective. The relationship that the characters develop with each other is the centrepiece of this film, so don't be expecting a serial killer film as the murder takes a back seat to the acting and character development. Pacino is excellent in this role, and no matter how many times he has played a detective before, he really polishes it off in this film. Expect an Oscar nod for him. Robin Williams might seem like a bizarre choice as a murder suspect but he is very good in this role and is given a loose leash by Nolan to have a bit of fun, throwing in some of his own humour. But his role is still very constrained considering the man played Mrs Doubtfire. Another surprise is ex-90210 regular Hillary Swank. Her performance may not be as good as her Oscar winning role as gender bender 'Brandon Tina' in "Boys Don't Cry", but it's still damn good. Insomnia is not this years 'Sixth sense,' it plays it straight forward, but provides great thrills all the same. The scenery of Alaska is gorgeously captured and is a vital element since the environment plays a key role in this stylish thriller. Although the ending is a let down, Nolan weaves a beautiful tapestry of great acting, fantastic cinematography and a fantastic script, resulting in a beautiful film.
Rating:
Summary: The best cop-thriller since 'Se7en'
Review: Beautiful cinematography, thoughtful scoring, knockout performances from the entire cast, and a brilliant and economical screenplay which is not only perfectly paced but is actually ABOUT something: the immoral lengths we'll go to in order to do what we think is right. Thanks to its wonderful script, and Christopher Nolan's stunning direction, "Insomnia" will have you jumping, squirming and thinking all at the same time. Like "Memento" before it, this works on every level. More please.
Rating:
Summary: Insomnia- Nolan does it Again
Review: Insomnia, starring Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank was terrific. Also Director Christopher Nolan does it again, Momento was terrific this may be even better. Al Pacino plays detective Will Dormer, Robin Williams plays the villan: Walter Finch and Hilary Swank plays the rookie, I honestly just forgot her name in the movie so I substituted rookie for her name. A murder of a 17 yeard old has occured in Alaska, and Will Dormer is on the trail of discorving who commited the murder. It's interesting to see Robin Williams play an evil,immoral and corrupt character. Infact, recently he has been play bad guy roles like in the recent dark comedy and flop I should add, Death to Smoochy and he slso starred in the twisted dark thriller of an obsessed photo clerk in the thriller One Hour Photo, which came out in August of 2002 and is now playing in many more theatres.
Well, anyway back to the main topic, so Pacino's character investigates the crime and suffers from insomnia, while being stationed in Alaska due to the different time system, he loses his focus and becomes restless. Swank's character is quiet, inactive, and not exactly inconspicous but somewhat subdued. She is a big fan of Pacino's character Dormer, a famous detective who has wrote many books about crime and corruption. She admires him greatly, but Dormer lacks interest in her, and he mainly concentrates on the crime. Robin Williams plays a smart character in the sense that he plays games with Dormer, he makes him think and tries to lure him into traps and deadly games. Infact, Dormer by accident or supposedly by accident shot his partner and Finch, (Robin Willams) saw him shoot his partner and he believes that Dormer did it intentionally. But Dormer knows that Finch committed the crime, so they both are guilty of something. The movie's ending is surpisingly and actually disappointing, but you need to see the movie in order to find out how it truly ends. Insomnia is rated R for Language, Some Violence and Brief Nudity. So maybe not the best choice for young children, but a good suspense thriller with twists and turns. I would definetly see INSOMNIA! In theatres everywhere May 24, 2002.
Rating:
Summary: Oscar Will Reward This Film In March, 2003
Review: This film has Oscar written all over it. Al Pacino and Robin Wiliams have set new standards in the industry. The film is flawless. It scares you...it challenges you...it places you in another world (Alaska)...and it is "one of a kind". If you like crime drama, compelling visual experiences, quality sound, and a complete two-hour roller coaster ride, this one's for you. Pacino and Williams are brilliant. There's nothing else to write. I will own this DVD when it is released.
Rating:
Summary: No Sleeping During this Film
Review: One of the year's best films so far. Al Pacino at his best and the awesome talent of Robin Williams combined with Christopher Nolan's precision direction will keep your finger away from the pause button. MUST SEE!
|
