nolan's latest is head above the rest but no cigar...

Rating: Null/10 (15 June 2002)

christopher nolan's follow-up to the highly energetic and imaginative memento stands close to mystery theatre champions, but no cigar. an almost formulaic suspense thriller that follows troubled detective will dorner (pacino) to alaska, who tries to solve a high profiled murder case in a small quiet town. as the film progresses, the plot thickens but not twists, which proves to be the disappointing factor in insomnia. plagued by sleepless nights due to internal affairs investigations, of having killed his partner, and being manipulated by killer walter finch (williams), the storyline itself promises a more complex deduction, but falls for the straight up, hollywood plodding and ending. pacino and williams shine in both their rolls, williams in particular, as his ability to mask the true face of walter finch is truly masterful. beautifully shot, and filled with nolan's signature less-than-a-second-blink-and-you'll-miss cuts, insomnia is beautifully constructed amidst a sub-par script. just watch, don't think. it'll be less of a disappointment.