INSOMNIA (1997)
Released: March 14, 1997 (Norway)
No, this isn't the Al Pacino and Robin Williams movie but rather the original version released in Norway. Directed by Erik Skjoldbjærg, "Insomnia" has a connection with its US remake that's kinda interesting. Lead star Stellan Skarsgård starred with Robin Williams in "Good Will Hunting", also released in 1997. Williams acts in the US remake - so everything has this resonating connection. Anyways, the original is good, though a little dry in execution. Two criminal investigators arrive in a town in the north of Norway to help the local police solve the murder of a young girl. A second murder sets the investigators off on an intense race where the stakes are as high for them as for their quarry. I like the idea of a cop who is flawed and has to carry out the law of the land at the same time as hiding his own criminal action. It's not an easy situation and there is no easy way out. While the US version has some different approaches, this serves as an interesting look at a film Hollywood used to later remake a mere five years later.
Norsk Film
97 Minutes