As Inception wraps up it’s incredible run in theaters and millions of new fans start looking back at Christopher Nolan’s past work, I want to recommend to you his second least-known film, Insomnia, in this week’s edition of Netflix This (the least-known of course being his debut film, Following). Insomnia is a film that focuses on the two most important aspects of cinema: Acting and story.  Oscar-winning juggernauts Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank bring their A+ games to this crime story of murder, paranoia and morality. It’s the only film on Christopher Nolan’s résumé for which he doesn’t hold any writing credits, as it is a remake of the original Swedish version of the film. But it’s Nolan’s directorial vision and meticulous style that makes Insomnia a must-see.

The story follows Det. Frank Dormer (Pacino), a legendary cop who gets called up to Alaska to investigate the murder of a young high-school girl. Dormer brings major baggage with him from L.A. because of his alleged involvement in dirty cop business, causing internal affairs to breathe down his neck. During a chase in the dense Alaskan fog, Dormer mistakenly shoots and kills a fellow officer, thinking it was their murder suspect, Walter Finch (Williams). Finch then blackmails Dormer with the threat of exposing the accidental shooting, so that Dormer will stop pursuing him about the young girl’s murder. A brilliant and hypnotic game of psychological cat-n-mouse ensues.

The simultaneous exchanges of hatred and dependence that Williams and Pacino have with each other is mesmerizing to watch. There are so many twists and turns in their backstabbing one-upsmanship, that you’ll be biting your finger nails during the duration of the film. Hilary Swank’s fantastic performance as the good-hearted home town deputy, Ellie — who catches on to Finch and Dormer’s game — just adds to this master’s course of acting bliss.

And of course, there’s Christopher Nolan’s direction. The film takes place during the summer in Alaska, where the sun never sets. Nolan flew the entire cast and crew up to a small Alaskan province that was only accessible by single-engine planes, to immerse his cast and the audience into this bizarre and eerie setting. His sweeping shots of the Alaskan landscape are breathtaking. His quick, frantic edits that flash back to the crime scene gives the viewers a jolt of uneasiness and surprise during what seems to be a simple exchange of dialogue. And Wally Pfister‘s gorgeous cinematography is just another example of why that man needs a damn Oscar.

Simply put: Insomnia is a great film. And one you should watch ASAP.

Netflix This: Insomnia

What Do You Think? Discuss.