Where its always light, there is darkness

Rating: 8/10 (27 June 2002)

Excellent telling of a fairly uncomplicated story, none of which I will re-tell here. Partly because I still have questions about it all and partly because I am not sure what I saw, but I mean that in the best way possible.

All three stars deliver the goods, but Pacino is in his zone and for my money, hasn't been this good in over a decade. Robin Williams is also excellent in a role he was probably not offered immediately, but he handles it all very well. Its not that his acting ability was ever in question, but when you play the bad guy, there are a couple of ways you can do it, and a lot of them are bad. Hilary Swank is just a talented actress who can do a lot more than parts like this, but she was excellent as well. I could see why all three wanted to be involved in this project.
Out of the supporting cast, I enjoyed Nicky Katt (he tells a very funny joke toward the end), Maura Tierney and Martin Donovan. Paul Dooley is there in the beginning and then not so much at the end.
Jonathan Jackson, who I enjoyed in 'The Deep End of the Ocean', basically has one scene, but he makes it count.
The movie is edited to the skies but that's also a good thing. Its especially effective near the end, when you want Pacino to sleep so bad that somewhere I bet people are throwing valium, blankets and Teddy Bears at the screen. You feel exactly like he does, or when you feel when you're just about to fall asleep, but wake up suddenly, with a shudder. That the editing can communicate that is worth mentioning.
Beautiful cinematography and worth seeing on a big screen for the scenery. Top work by all involved. 8.5/10.