Insomnia

Having just re-watched the Norwegian original Insomnia (1997), I remembered something I wrote in 2002 comparing it (from memory) to the re-make by Christopher Nolan:



Catch of the Day (11/7/02): Those who like Christopher Nolan's (of "Memento" fame) new film "Insomnia" should try the original version by Erik Skjoldbjaerg. Some films are good, but some are great, and original too!

Even a remake will not be 100% the same as the original. But in my opinion, Nolan's is similar enough to Skjoldbjaerg's to warrant this question: why a director as talented as Nolan wanted to do a remake of a very good but by no means classic film after Memento?

I guess he himself wants, and the System definitely wants, to bring "Christopher Nolan" firmly into the mainstream. Using Pacino as detective Dormer makes the intention very clear. There is no doubt that Pacino is an outstanding actor. But his very presence in the film makes enjoying the film, and the director's talent, more difficult. Moreover, in order to accommodate this "star", he had to be cast as a famous detective. Just see the awe expressed by Swank. She can even remember some of his famous previous cases!

My opinions:
1. The new Insomia is a good film
2. I would like to see Nolan doing something more original and worthwhile.