A close to Perfection post-humanist uber thriller.

Rating: Null/10 (14 August 2002)

Yes , i am indeed pretty lucky, having been able to see this on its premiere screening at Sydney, along with a Q& A session with Christopher Nolan the director. When some film geek of some sort was asking the question "why re-make?" Chris jokes "why ? will you write for me?" before proceeds to answer question, "When i see some films which really struck me rock bottom, i have this urge to re-set the stage, why not make something that goes with your own perspective? a great film (Insomnia 1997 version) it is, and it is that great that i feel that i want to create my own version,what will happen with the characters if i set the flow?"
A fine answer indeed, hands down to mister Nolan, Probably our generation's new Hithcock of many years to come.(when asked why all his three features is of Noir thriller genre,he admitedly answered, because he tries to explore the ability of one self to tap into his/her own fears.)
Insomnia is near flawless,everytime the intensity hits, i got this goosebumps of enthralling satisfaction that i've got when i watch SE7EN(1995) years ago. whilst SE7EN have been my all time Neo-Noir , Insomnia really pushes me to another conclusion, unlike David Fincher, Nolan relies less on graphic visuals or obvious production design use(creepy/ murky serial killer apartement, body parts prop, heavy make up effect etc), he on the other hand challenge and wants the audience to feel, or even suffer, what Det. Will Dormer, experiences, what burdened him. Its a flair combination of Thespian Prowess, visceral editting and sound effect, the pacing of the story really struck the brilliant chords, it allows the audience to breathe and navigate the central characters psyche, and what does it do after that? it challenges us to sympathize for all the wrong characters, and heck its good, i call this a film that requires "thinking". I don't think i need to summarize the plot, hell i even suggest you people not to watch the original or see any plot summaries whatsoever.
Pacino the man with all the acting fibre really plays Will Dormer to the bone and sinew, although one cannot help it but to think of his character as the same Brainy versatile cop in Heat (1995),looking slightly aged yet still upstand his timeless charisma,its not that this is a difficult role for him, why? because this role got Al Pacino written all over it.
*Might Spoil* A delightful surprise by funny-man-turn-not-so-funny Robin williams, as one Walter Finch, by not being a creepy killer with satanic grimace or the usual brooding silouhette with a shiny bloodied knife, he just transformed himself from a mild mannered ba writer to a cold blooded killer, his aura is so human as he tries to negotiate with Dormer,he is terrified when Dormer is threatening him,yet he also manipulate the situation, making Dormer an unwilling pawn of his own plotting to avoid the murder charge,that is what makes Finch so dangerous, he is but a man that you might found sitting next to you in the cinema or bus etc,for Pete sake he even owns to lovely doggies, ladies and gentlemen, Lo and behold for the most frigtheningly human "would be" serial killer ever presented in the past years. I just can't wait to see him in One hour photo(2002),Geez, after watching him here, Mrs Doubtfire would never be the same again, ahahhahah.*End-o-Spoiler*
Hillary Swank did a well praised job, as the aspiring young detective,the existance of her character helps a great deal on building the 'Mentor-Protege' plot that arouse between her and Pacino, the ending of this film justifies this point so strong. Martin Donovan did an accomplished job considering his character screen time, as for Maura Tierney whose given the responsible for Det.Dormer's homely ground, a short alas affectionate scene with her and Pacino didnt ruin the panache' of the overall story, although im wondering what were they up to (in such A short moment) when she lies on Dormer's bed the next scene.
OK, although i have praised this film only so much as i can, this is not a film without its itsy bitsy limitations, but you know what? i don't even think it is worth mentioning. True,not everyone is going to enjoy this one, just as Memento(2000) wasn't to everyone's liking, but whoever are down to Character-driven-thriler type of film(in the tradition of hidden gem Primal Fear(1996) or Silence of the Lambs(1991)), then this one will one will be a must...hear that? A MUST!!!
4 outta 5 stars.
+ 4 for damn good acting all around, headache-free pacing, and for being one remake that could preceeds the original, actually i rather use the term "reshape".
-1 ...but what is -1 anyway? if you want to see a 5 out of 5 film you have to wait till i actually got employed by the industry (^_^ ).