"Insomnia" is the story of Will Dormer (Al Pacino), a veteran LAPD detective who travels to a small Alaskan town with his partner Hap (Martin Donovan) to investigate the disturbing murder of a 17 year-old girl. Under the glare of the region's perpetual daylight, Dormer and Hap close in on the primary suspect, reclusive novelist Walter Finch (Robin Williams). During a tense stakeout on a rocky, fog-shrouded beach, Finch slips into the mist and out of Dormer's grasp. As he makes his escape, shots ring out…and Hap is killed.
As he struggles to cope with his sense of responsibility and remorse over his partner's death, Dormer is forced into a psychological game of cat-and-mouse by the brilliantly malevolent Finch. The stakes escalate as Dormer contends with an unproven but perceptive local cop (Hilary Swank) and becomes increasingly entangled in Finch's web of manipulation.
Unable to find respite from the relentless Midnight Sun or his own distorted judgment, the dangerously sleep-deprived detective finds his stability gravely threatened.
The filmmakers decided to cast against type for the role of the mild-mannered novelist, Walter Finch. “We'd been looking for somebody to play opposite Al who is not only a tremendous actor, but who also has a similar kind of audience identification with his star persona,” said director Christopher Nolan. “As the story progresses, we wanted to have two larger-than-life characters confront each other in this twisted psychological cat-and-mouse game. When I met with Robin and realized how clearly he understood Finch, it was very exciting to know that he was going to fit this character like a glove.”
In looking for the actress to handle the role of the unproven local detective, Ellie Burr, director Christopher Nolan needed someone who had to be believable as a cop while being able to convey the right blend of youthfulness and ambition. “Ellie is a very tricky character to pull off because she has to be young and innocent, a little bit wide-eyed and a little bit green, but at the same time she projects an intelligence, strength and a dedication to duty that indicates that she's going to grow beyond her youthful naïveté,” Nolan elaborates. “Just as importantly, she has to be believable as a cop in this small town in Alaska. Hilary has the most extraordinary ability to convey the different sides of a character like Ellie and, in addition to her talent as an actress, she also has a look and a physicality to her that lends credibility to the character.”
Academy Award-winners Robin Williams and Hilary Swank joined fellow cast members Nicky Katt and Martin Donovan at the film's Los Angeles Premiere to talk about the making of "Insomnia."
ROBIN WILLIAMS (Walter Finch)
This was a different type of role for you. Was that part of the reason why you took it?
Oh yes, and to work with Al Pacino and Christopher Nolan, that's a nice triple bill. And to work in Alaska. If you can go up there during avalanche season, don't miss it. That's a good time to go up there. It was a great combo of people. Those three - with Hilary Swank - really made it.
Was it difficult to put aside the jokes while filming "Insomnia?"
No, because you use them in-between. When you are shooting on a movie like “Insomnia” where people do get tired, you want to keep them going. There's only so much craft service you can do. Then we had these wild parties in Alaska because they drink something called...they 'Hydereiser' you there which is 175-180 proof. Do the math, that's a lot of alcohol.
You're actually doing a lot of dark roles all in a row.
Yes, a lot of them.
Why is that?
I don't know. They offered them.
And you have “One Hour Photo” next?
Yes, and it's even creepier than this.
Is this by choice?
Yes, rather than subconscious. It's by choice. They came along. The idea of playing these parts [was] because people were saying, “You should try them” and I said, “I'd love to.” It's nice to have the opportunity especially with Hilary Swank and Mr. Pacino and Mr. Nolan. The bet was an easier bet to make.
What was like working opposite Al Pacino?
It was great to work with him. It's like playing with the best. It's like hitting balls with Andre Agassi and you can get it back over the net. He's the best. He's also a very sweet man - maybe he doesn't want me to tell people that so people don't… But he's a good guy. I got the chance to work with him and if I get to work with Robert Duvall, then I've got the entire “Godfather” collection.
(At this point, Williams goes off topic a bit to discuss Yoda). It's like “Hidden Tiger, Crouching Hamster.” That was my favorite scene in that movie.
(Going back to “Insomnia”) Working with him was the best. Playing with him was like great jazz, and you just knew it. It hit the right way.
Hilary Swank at the Premiere of "Insomnia."
Photo ©Rebecca Murray. All Rights Reserved.
Did you have to do any research for your role as a police officer?
You know what? With this character, she's just a small-town girl and I'm a small-town girl so it wasn't hard for me to conjure that up. I think I just tried to get under the skin of what makes her tick and just worked with Christopher and his vision with the film. She's a rookie detective and she looks up to Al Pacino who's a seasoned detective. That wasn't too hard for me being kind of a rookie actress looking up to a seasoned actor.
What was your experience like working with Al Pacino?
Amazing. He is absolutely, absolutely incredible.
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