Originally published in the UCD College Tribune, 2002

Set in the never-ending Alaskan day, “Insomnia” leads us on the trail of a killer. Will Dormer (Al Pacino) is a detective drafted in to investigate the murder of a seventeen year old girl. He is eagerly met by up and coming detective Ellie Burr (Hilary Swank). The eternal daylight, intriguing at first, soon takes its toll on Dormer, depriving him of sleep. As the case progresses and his anxiety grows, Dormer an unlikely rapport with Walter Finch (Robin Williams).

Has Dormer finally met his nemesis? Or have his restlessness and his conscience got the better of him?

“Insomnia” is a film of rare qualities: outstanding cast, superb direction and fluid dialogue. It enthrals as it unfolds. Al Pacino is on Academy Award winning form as bewildered cop Dormer. His performance is raw, ravaged and emotional. Robin Williams sheds his stereotyped skin and relishes the role of Finch in all its understated glory. Swank steps back from her reputation and takes what seems at first to be a small role, but she becomes pivotal to the story.

Director Christopher Nolan weaves a tale of many intricacies. he never lets us forget that we are all perfectly flawed. From his début film “Memento” he draws on vengeance, placing his characters as shadows of their former selves in the search for unattainable goals. Sweeping cinematography and luscious landscapes tantalise the audience, reminding us of harsh reality, and that things are not always what they seem, or we would like them to be.

An utterly breathtaking piece of cinema. Original, thought provoking and blinding.