Insomnia (2002)

REVIEW
In a picturesque land where there is only daylight, an honored policeman becomes victim to the environment as well as his own momentary lapse of judgment. The eventual, gradual disintegration of his mind and mores form the framework of an exceedingly effective psychological thriller that is every bit as intelligent as it is taut and gripping. Based on the 1997 Norwegian film of the same name, Insomnia stars Pacino as L.A. detective Will Dormer, who with his partner (Donovan) travels to the small Alaskan town of Nightmute to aid in the investigation of a possible serial killing. In the pursuit of a suspect, a terrible accident occurs, one which pits an increasingly sleep-deprived Dormer in a relentless game of cat and mouse with the murderer (nicely underplayed by Williams). In his third feature, Memento director Nolan leaves little doubt as to his talent as a storyteller and artist. He's maintained the original's sense of atmosphere and psychological collapse, while at the same time incorporating a personal style that is wholly his own. Nolan has also steered Pacino into giving one of the best performances of his career -- the actor has rarely been this persuasively subtle, and brings nuance and a tortured resignation to the role.