Good but not a classic.

Rating: 7/10 (23 September 2006)

Al Pacino, as we all know, is a fine actor. Michael Corleone. Frank Serpico. Richard Roma. 'Lefty' Ruggiero. Did I mention Michael Corleone. Yes? Oh well. Michael Coreleone.
Not that his Detective Will Dormer is as memorable as these guys but its still a nice performance. Some memorable scenes like the phone call to the widow. This is slow burning Pacino for those who think he just does too much Foghorn Leghorn these days - bellowing and waving his arms. (I'm divided on the subject but admit he can go over the top).
Plot outline: The Alaskan sun is pretty much up all the time and Dormer has to deal with a murder investigation/cagey murder suspect while not getting any sleep.
To sum it up, this will keep you interested. Christopher Nolan is a talented guy and sets the mood pretty well - shots of chilly landscape constantly lit with light - and keeps the story ticking over. I thought Robin Williams was good in his change of pace role, as a calm and icy suspect and had good chemistry with Pacino. My friend still thought he wasn't dark enough. In the end though, they don't take the concept far enough and you're not left very satisfied. It pretty much goes where you suspect it to go and then just ends.
Watchable but not a classic. Good for a Saturday arvo.