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This sucks for Dormer, who is already under investigation for improper conduct. Now, he has to decide whether to compromise his values again in order to save his career from the ruin that was probably already coming anyway. What’s worse is that Burr is assigned to investigate Hap’s shooting. She and Dormer had begun to develop a rapport, but over time her adulation wanes as the evidence points her in an ominous direction and she begins to see her idol as a man, rather than a myth. Their relationship begins to complicate as she starts to uncover the truth, and he begins to lose his way between hunting the killer, covering up his own mistake, and trying not to go utterly bat shit insane from going days without sleep.

You’ll notice I’m 600 words into this and haven’t mentioned Robin Williams. It’s because to say too much about his character might spoil the movie, but the prime mover behind the whole story is the relationship between his character and Pacino’s. They have a shared characteristic that draws them together like magnets, if magnets were emotionally shattered people in the midst of complete emotional disintegration. The movie’s visuals are ever so occasionally punctuated by staccato images of blood saturated cloth, and the image serves more than one purpose. It bookends the film, but also implies that the fate of both leads are intertwined not unlike actual strands of fiber. If that sounds clumsy, you can blame my description. Believe me; it works very well on screen.

In light of his recent passing I’m not going to hyperbolize about Williams’ performance. But the character he plays is one whose considerable intelligence is intentionally played close to the vest. And, he’s dealing with the kind of complex life issues that really twist your morals in knots. This is a man who clearly finds himself questioning the difference between rationalization and rational acceptance. Of the seemingly endless array of personalities Williams was capable of mimicking, loneliness and vulnerability were among the most refined. They are also the most necessary here. All in all, it’s more than enough to allow him to hold his own opposite Pacino.

And speaking of Pacino – it really is nice to see him not shouting for once, isn’t it? Dormer is a proud, accomplished man who is nonetheless tormented by self-doubt on many levels. Give him a gun, dip him in a 55 gallon drum of Not Sleeping for a Week, spin him around and let him go. It’s one of the more measured and convincing performances he’s given in years, even today. Hilary Swank simply brings her lunch pail as she always does - and it’s fitting since her character is primarily meant to provide clear moral contrast to the leads. Burr’s somewhat shallow arc from wide-eyed hero worshipper to jaded veteran is not the focus of the film, but it proves to be vital at the story’s conclusion. Swank’s credibility as an actress helps give it resonance.

Insomnia isn’t just a fine film; it’s an overlooked highlight in the careers of both Christopher Nolan and Al Pacino. As for Robin Williams, I wouldn’t say his performance stands out so much as it settles nicely into the tapestry of the story. His understated portrayal is one of a man in the grip of mortal terror, unable to live with certain things as he is unwilling to die for them. Is this man creepy and dangerous, or is he just emotionally isolated and scared out of his mind? It’s hard to tell, and in my mind that’s a credit to the actor. Of all the movies you can or may watch in an effort to celebrate an outstanding life and career, my advice is not to overlook Insomnia if you want the whole picture.

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