Christopher Nolan Hails Robin Williams Thriller as ‘Most Underrated,’ Now on BBC iPlayer
Christopher Nolan has described his Robin Williams thriller as one of his most underrated works, now available on BBC iPlayer. The remark invites a fresh look at Insomnia, Nolan’s 2002 crime drama starring Al Pacino and Williams.
Film background
Insomnia is Nolan’s 2002 mystery-thriller set in a small Alaskan town. The story follows a Los Angeles homicide detective investigating a murdered high school girl.
The lead suspect lures the detective into a tense psychological cat-and-mouse. The cast includes Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank, Maura Tierney and Martin Donovan.
Production notes
The film is a remake of Erik Skjoldbjaerg’s 1997 Norwegian neo-noir. Nolan directed the project but did not take a writing credit.
It was Nolan’s first studio assignment. He also cites it as the first time he shot on location and worked with major movie stars.
Critical response
Insomnia opened to strong notices in 2002. Critics praised its atmospheric tone and tense pacing.
Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes currently lists the film at 92 percent. Viewers on IMDb and other forums have called it one of Nolan’s most underrated pieces.
In Tom Shone’s 2020 book The Nolan Variations, Nolan called the film “probably the most underrated” in his catalogue. He described the project as personal and something he remains proud of.
Where to watch and what’s next
BBC iPlayer has recently added Insomnia to its catalogue. The Prestige (2006) joined it on the same platform this week.
Nolan’s next major project is The Odyssey, an adaptation led by Matt Damon. The film is due in the UK and US on 17 July and reportedly cost about $250 million (£218.6m) to make.
Filmogaz.com recommends revisiting Insomnia for its tightly wound narrative and standout performances. The film offers a different side of Nolan’s filmmaking to reassess.
