A unique game of cat and mouse

Rating: Null/10 (1 September 2002)

A unique thriller, with Al Pacino in top form. The cinematography is excellent (beautiful shots of an Alaskan town, where it stays bright for up to 22 hours a day during summer). Robin Williams is surprisingly good, suitably cast against type and it is refreshing to see him as a bad-guy/psycho for once. Hilary Swank is as always top-notch, though perhaps somewhat under used, as the script has a tendency to misplace her, and really doesn't give her enough to do: a fine actress such as Ms Swank should be used more than this. Meanwhile, Maura Tierney and Martin Donovan offer fine support, making the most of their tiny but pivotal roles.
The depiction of Pacino's character is finely done, and his increasing insomnia is played out in a very believable way. The interesting twist of having him shooting his partner, and we're not sure if he did it on purpose or not, is cool: it keeps you guessing, and is unnerving because you're not sure if you can believe in the hero or not.
The cat and mouse game with him and Williams, with the latter knowing Pacino's secret and hence the cover up, is very suspenseful; add to that Swank's character closing in on the truth, and it becomes almost unbearably edge-of-the-seat at times.
A relatively unremarkable plot is brought to life in a unique way, with a fine intense script (that unfortunately does sideline other characters, and doesn't offer much in the way of characterization). A fine thriller all told, also sporting tight direction, along with some beautiful filming.
Recommended.