Not bad

Rating: 7/10 (3 December 2002)

"Insomnia" wasn't a bad film. It isn't as good as the Norwegian original. I believe a close comparison between this movie and the original version is valid since there is only a few years separating them and the story has not been substantially changed. It is inevitable to compare the two. I felt the original had a less sympathetic but more believable lead. Al Pacino was good in his role but I think his character was meant to be played as a cop who cut corners to help society. He was really a good guy only trying to improve the overall quality of life. The original's cop wasn't as kind. Robin Williams was OK as the bad guy. Hillary Swank was good in the role as written. The original movie role was played as more of a seasoned cop than the neophyte played by Swank. The discoveries made by this cop seemed more in line with her than with Ms. Swank. This version was not as hard edged as the original but was more touchy-feely. I also think the original was filmed a bit quirkier which I enjoy. (SPOILER lurking ahead). The shooting of the fellow policeman was handled better in the original. It seemed to be much more of an accident than in this current movie. Al Pacino's character would surely be up on charges for negligence where the original's cop was more of a victim of his partner's mistakes, though he couldn't prove it. (SPOILER warning defunct.) Both movies are worth watching. I gave the original a slightly better rating. The Hollywood version was watered down and its edge blunted.