INSOMNIA [2002] Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank ; Rated 15

Unlike in the majority of crime thrillers, the good guy and the bad guy aren't clean cut at all in this critically under rated movie. Like the films poster, the movie contains more shades of grey than anything else, resulting in an excellent spin for what could have been a rather boring release. Al Pacino plays a seasoned big city detective who gets himself stuck in between an I.A investigation and a small town murder case. Robin Williams puts in one of his best straight performances to date and Hilary Swank backs up her role as the eye candy with a very believable portrayal of the eager rookie. The movie performs brilliantly as a genre piece, but really comes alive through it's direction. As the lead (Pacino) becomes more and more lost in his own fatigue, you really feel how much his character is actually struggling to stay true to what he believes to be right. The movie also makes sure it doesn't get dominated with pointless crowd pleasing action sequences, with the effect of creating a more character based picture which perhaps is all to rare these days. This is a calm, but sharp piece of film making which should not be ignored. It may not appeal to the Friday night action zombie, lusting for fast, furious and mindless violence, but it will very much entertain the other half of the population, who actually do have an intellect. Put down your lust for loud gun fights and cheap one liners and spend an even with actors who really now how to put on a show.

4/5