Talent shines even in “Insomnia” as a “director for hire”! The appeal of the genius Nolan's masterpiece thriller

Taking the reins of three major Oscar actors

The movie is set in Alaska during the midnight sun, where the sun never sets. Dormer, a skilled veteran detective, and his partner Eckhart come from Los Angeles to help investigate the murder of a 17-year-old girl. Dormer and Eckert's partnership was strained by the intervention of an internal affairs investigation. Eventually, together with the local police, they succeeded in luring the culprit to a mountain hut. However, while chasing the culprit, Dormer accidentally shoots and kills Eckert in the thick fog.

Dormer tries to pin the blame on the culprit, but the culprit, Finch, witnessed Dormer shooting his partner to death. Finch offers a deal. On the other hand, Ellie, a new local police officer who respects Dormer, tries to get to the heart of the case. What will Dormer do when he suffers from insomnia due to stress?

"Insomnia" (c) Photofest / Getty Images

The biggest selling point of this film at the time was not Nolan, who was nearly unknown, but the co-starring of three major Oscar-winning actors. Al Pacino plays the role of Dormer, who is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, Robin Williams plays the intelligent murderer Finch, and Hilary Swank plays the innocent, bright and serious Ellie. The cast is full of stars who are highly praised for their approach to the role and their acting skills. In particular, Williams, who had previously gained popularity for his comical roles, attracted attention for his dark and mysterious performance as a murderer.

It was Nolan's first experience working with such a star, but he approached the production without hesitation. Pacino rehearses and prepares carefully and likes to experiment with takes during filming, but Swank, on the other hand, values ​​inspiration on the spot rather than rehearsal, and only takes one or two takes. The type you want to get done.

Although they had many scenes together, how should he direct the two actors, who had contrasting attitudes? All Nolan had to do was listen to their opinions and reflect them in the film. Both Pacino and Swank explored, accepted, and adapted to each other's ways. That's what professional work is all about.