Stand-out performance for Robin Williams....

Rating: 9/10 (3 November 2007)

and also newcomer Jonathan Jackson. This film is an excellent suspense and atmospheric thriller.
Based in Unkumiat Alaska, Pacino plays world-weary Detective Dormer, who has been sent on a sabbatical by LAPD to solve the murder of a high school girl. Hilary Swank is also believable as young aspiring detective, who at first admires Dormer. Al Pacino is excellent (as usual) he seems to assimilate a NY or Los Angeles detective incarnate at this point in his lifelong career.
The primary indelible performance, however, is Robin Williams. He has played so many comedic and fluff roles, but this genre is something I wish we have seen more of him in. He is menacing, strange and unfamiliar, threatening to the audience. The camera explores another side of him which the audience rarely sees. This is a most interesting performance, and I hope that he will explore more of these roles, he is clearly a gifted and versatile actor.
Jonathan Jackson also deserves mention as a young arrogant student, initially a suspect in the homicide.
If you like Williams in this, rent the DVD of "One Hour Photo" directed by Saul Rubinek. Williams again excels in a villainous role. 9/10.