Insomnia

They sent Al Pacino to investigate a murder in Alaska. Sure. He'll blend right in. Otherwise, this is a perfectly fine version of the 1999 Norwegian film. Both are enjoyable, but together, they are an interesting and unusual example of original vs. Hollywood remake that goes not from outstanding to bad, but from outstanding to good. The original is a character study that does not lose its grip on a compelling story, and Nolan's remake is mostly a traditional police procedural, in which things are S-P-E-L-L-E-D O-U-T for you, without, in fairness, going overboard. Skarsgard gives the performance of his career, whereas Pacino, whose performance is better than most he has given in recent years, is still on the hammy side. Watch the original first, and this one second, and see what you think.

Widely considered Christopher Nolan's weakest film, I believe it is severely underrated and flawless. The film is tense and taut. Somehow makes you feel as if you were suffering from insomnia just like Al Pacino's character. Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank are all excellent in this.

Directed by Christopher Nolan in 2002 based on the original 1997 Norwegian film of the same name, this 118-minute film turns into a well crafted psychological thriller.
Superb are the performances of Al Pacino and Robin Williams.
Erik Skjoldbjærg, the director of the original film, said of Nolan's reinterpretation: "When I first saw it was a very strange experience because it was quite close, stylistically, to the original. I felt lucky that it's such a well crafted, smart film and that it had a really good director handling it, because as a remake I think it did really well and it doesn't hurt any original if a remake is well done."
Well, I should see the original as well.

An often-overlooked Christopher Nolan film, this one is just as tense and intelligent as the rest. Nolan takes what could've been routine thriller material and elevates it into a morally complex meditation on seeking justice. Watching this one, you can see why he was drawn to making Batman films - Al Pacino's weary, troubled cop faces some of the same dilemmas the Dark Knight does. Fans of Michael Mann's Heat (1995) - a major influence on Nolan's work - will enjoy seeing Pacino essentially reprise the role he played in that earlier movie. Insomnia is a film that stays with you, as deeply haunting as its Alaskan setting.

I was kind of underwhelmed. The acting by Robin Williams and Hilary Swank was very good. Al Pacino is talented, though unremarkable here. The photography is great: Alaska (actually, I think it was filmed in British Columbia) looks both majestic and confining at the same time. The story was interesting, but I never really bought into it. You won't dislike the movie, but it isn't spectacular. I am no expert, but I can probably name 25 other films that you "must watch" before this one ... maybe 100 others before this one.

What a great movie! I was totally on the edge of my seat during much of this movie. Fantastic story, photography and acting!

Awesome thriller, great performances, beautiful scenery of Alaska. Wonderful movie.

maybe B- probably C+

Not believable. Not entertaining.

The acting, especially Robin Williams as the key suspect in the child slaying, is top notch. Williams is made for these roles, he should kiss the suck-up feel-good stuff goodbye for good. The photography is excellent, Alaska never looked so ominous, and the direction delivers the goods. Highly recommended.