Doesn't Quite Work

Rating: 7/10 (28 May 2002)

I can accept the plot contrivances but something doesn't quite click in this interesting but seriously flawed film. The flaw I am sorry to say is in the direction (and screenplay, of course). Momento was brilliant, but Insomnia isn't. Plot lines don't come together, even though the story line is pregnant with possibilities. An accidental death--or is it--and the hero is conveniently free of disciplinary charges that would have materialized if his partner lived. Scheming with a killer and almost allowing an innocent person to be framed. These all make for an intriguing drama--yet, for some inexplicable reason, the film comes off somewhat flat. The acting, scenery, sound--all are excellent, but something, somewhere misses and the movie doesn't quite work.