Insomnia [DVD]

if you enjoy Nordic 'crime;' thos is ''fun''(albeit a little dated since The Bridge/Headhunter etc ) -but unless you have tried living and working through the Summer in far North it's probably a little hard to really appreciate how disorienting the constant light can be one one's bio-rythms - and the sudden waking-up and not knowing if it's ten past two in the middle of the day ...or in the middle of the 'night' really plays havoc with one's ''body clock'' and sense of solidity in the world.

Loved this version! Having seen the one with Al Pacino and having missed this one somehow, I was looking for ages for a copy. Definitely not disappointed! Of course, there are some people who won't like some of the scenes in it as they may make for uncomfortable viewing, but to those people I say, 'Get over it!'. This version is much better than the more 'PC', sanitised version made later.

This is the Norwegian/ Swedish original film, later remade in the US and starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams. This original stars an equally good actor, Stellan Skarsgard. Although I usually don't like remakes as originals are often hard to match let alone beat, in this case the remake set in Alaska is far superior in pace and overall acting. This Scandinavian original consists of gloomy folk getting steadily gloomier. Most action is at the end and, here too, the US film has a better denouement. Can't really recommend this film.

Stellan Skarsgard dominates this picture with it's amazing visuals and intimate storytelling.

Very good film. Would advise you watch it as a double-bill with Christopher Nolan's film of the same name.The acting in this feels more realistic to the narrative than the remake.

Better than it sounds

This is the original Insomnia film which I found much better than the original (which I saw first in fact). Stellan Skarsgard is absolutely brilliant as the insomniac cop. Well recommended.

I would definitely rate this better than the version with Al Pacino