Rating: 
Summary: Insomnia--- A Real Snoozer
Review: Perhaps the most boring movie I've seen this year. The sleepier Al Pachino got the sleepier I got. My wife fell asleep half way through the movie. If she only knew how lucky she was.
Rating: 
Summary: **** WORTH STAYING AWAKE FOR ****
Review: Insomnia is of course a remake of a Norwegian film starring Stellan Skarsgard, directed by Erik Skjoldbjaerg in 1997 but as much as this may make me a heathen to European film culture, I must confess to having never seen the original. However, thanks to one of my good friends (Steve, take a bow) I was lucky enough to see the UK premier of Insomnia as the closing movie of the 2002 Edinburgh film festival and lucky enough to see and hear the Director Christopher Nolan say a few words about this fine movie.
Opening with incredibly stunning cinematography of Alaskan ice fields, haggard L.A police detective Will Dormer (Al Pacino) and his partner Hep Eckhart (Martin Donovan) arrive in America's most northerly city to help solve the brutal killing of a teenage girl. Met by a local Detective (Hilary Swank) who openly hero-worships Dormer and his successful career as a Detective, Pacino's character sets about showing the local hicks how it's done. However, it soon transpires that Dormer is only in Alaska in the first place to avoid an ongoing criminal investigation by police Internal Affairs back in Los Angeles and it is not long before his investigation into the Alaskan girl's murder goes horribly wrong. Troubled by his conscience and the never-ending daylight of an Alaskan summer Dormer prays for sleep.For many people that have seen either of Christopher Nolan's previous two movies (Following and Memento) Insomnia may seem like an odd choice; it's a 'mainstream' Hollywood movie (Warner Brothers studio), it is told in a linear timeframe and it's a remake. However, there must have been obvious attractions apart from the budget and his paycheck. First off, Stephen Soderbergh, who successfully makes mainstream movies with an Indie heart, oversaw production and secondly there was the chance to work with great actors such as Pacino, Swank and Robin Williams, although at this point I have to add that I believe Williams was totally miscast and made an unconvincing villain. There are some wonderful scenes in this movie, including a nightmare like chase over hundreds of floating logs and the hunt for the killer in a freezing fog. It is also a movie that allows it's stars to shine and this is undoubtedly Pacino's best role (and best movie for many a year) and it is a pleasant change to see him with a decent script in an intelligent movie instead of hamming it up in the likes of The Devil's Advocate, alongside walking surfboard Keanu Reeves. This movie will also undoubtedly and deservedly enhance the careers and reputations of both Director Christopher Nolan and Hilary Swank, who both produce work of depth and subtlety. However, I also feel that much of the credit for what is a beautiful photographed and well-written movie should go to Wally Pfister and (for what is an excellent adapted screenplay) to Hilary Seitz. Insomnia is an excellent movie made by a very modest, very talented young British movie Director. Be warned though, you probably need an IQ to fully appreciate it.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Movie
Review: Superb acting from very good actors in the business. This movie is about a detective who goes to solve a murder case but get caught up in a case of his own arising out of accidentally shooting his partner. It seems the dectective played by Paccino has motives for shooting his partner but does he and if he's found out just how will that information be handled. In the end it makes you want to take sides.
Rating:
Summary: Awful Movies w/Great Actors
Review: Insomnia will put you to sleep. It was awful from beginning to end. Seeing Al Pacino's name on it made me want to purchase the movie. I don't rent movies, I only buy. If this movie had cost me five dollars, that would have been too much. Everything else Mr. Pacino has been in was terrific but not Imsomnia. If you want to be bored for two hours or maybe it was more, felt like six hours, then go ahead, watch this movie. If sleeping pills don't help, watch this movie.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Film
Review: I really enjoyed this film. Pacino was great as always. But, it was was very interesting seeing Robin Williams playing against type.
There is a good story, made up of two sub-plots. Nicely done.
Rating:
Summary: ...dont sleep on this...
Review: this has been the most engrossing thriller i have seen since "seven" was released! the production/cinematography is outstanding... the plot is rewarding... and the acting is compelling. if you like thickly atmospheric storytellin then this is somethin you need to look into...
Rating:
Summary: Do what you think is right & live with it...
Review: That was the advice received by Dormer after being unable to sleep for almost a week. The real reason to his insomnia is a combination of guilt from an 'accident/crime' he committed & his inability to adjust to Nightmute where the sun always shines. How he handles his personal problems at the same time solve a mystery is worth the wait & watch. Here is another film directed by Christopher Nolan. A very straightforward film without the twists or the unchronological sequence of Memento where he was recognized -- but nonetheless as intese. A power cast led by Pacino, Williams & Swank directed by Nolan...How can it ever go wrong?
Rating:
Summary: Insomnia Will Keep You Awake - Clever Film
Review: Director Christopher Nolan hit artistic and cinematic paydirt with his underappreciated, "Memento". This latest effort is different in style and story, but repeats all the same mysterious character flaws in a landscape that's as beautiful as it is foreboding. Pacino, Williams and Swank all deliver spectacular performances and Pacino is incredible as the "respected" high ranking detective who has terrible secrets only to accidentally get in deeper. His consience keeps him 'awake' and his craggy face and tired eyesacks show it. Williams is just as creepy and frighteningly clever in his role, never reminding you that he is also a comedian. Swank plays the young, awe-struck cop with ease, who also faces a problem of conscience as she gets to know her mentor, Pacino. This secrecy and disallusionment seems to be the motif Nolan sets into the characters. The scenery is spectacular, but also, as shown in several scenes, not to be trusted - just like the main characters. It's a tension filled, medium action film that will keep you mesmerized until the end. It doesn't matter if the ending is slightly predictable, it's the ride that matters. DVD includes all the typical Director's commentary (very interesting), making of documentary, theater trailers, etc. Best of all is a sequence into the life of an 'insomniac'. It gives the story all that more credibility.
Rating:
Summary: Don't worry Will, you can sleep when you're dead.
Review: ...In Warner Bros.' 2002 release of "Insomnia", all but one opening scene is shot in British Columbia; amidst heady glaciers and gurgling waterfalls. At the absolute top-of-his-game, 62 year-old Al Pacino is riveting as Det. Dormer. His world-weary cynicism grows darker as the story unravels. Haggard and worn, Pacino's limpid eyes help complete a richly textured performance. Comedian Robin Williams is restrained and straight-forward as the child-killer, Walter Finch. It's a quantum leap from his role as the devious villian in the farcical "Death to Smoochy". Nothing funny here, his calculating murderer in "Insomnia" is threatening and ominous. "Momento" director Christopher Nolan has fashioned a tight psycological thriller that easily resonates back to the best of Hitchcock. Subtle, morbid tension builds with every sudden, jarring telephone ring. This new DVD is a beautiful, pristine anamorphic transfer. Multiple commentaries, a deleted scene, 3 documentaries, and a photo montage are among the extras. The DVD's crowning jewel is a rare 20-minute interview with Pacino himself. He spouts off on Francis Ford Coppola, "Serpico", and the magic of live theater...
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I found 'Insomnia' highly disappointing. After I saw 'Memento' I was absolutely astounded with how brilliant and gut-wrenching it was. I went into 'Insomnia' expecting it to be brillant- and it was a normal, boring avergae Hollywood film. I was so upset becuase Christopher Nolan seemed to have so much talent with 'Memento'- but after he got recognized by Hollywood and got the famous actors and the big money the talent seemed to disappear.I wouldn't say 'Insomnia' is a bad film, but defintely not a good film, or at least nothing special. I wouldn't recommend it, but I would defnitely recommend other films from Christopher Nolan- hopefully his next will be better.
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