Christopher Nolan's 2002 psychological thriller Insomnia, starring Al Pacino and Robin Williams, is set to air on BBC Two this Friday at 11:05pm and is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The film, which marked Nolan's third feature and the only one he directed without a writing credit, has been largely unavailable for an extended period, making this broadcast a notable event for fans.
Plot and Cast Details
Insomnia is a neo-noir remake of a 1997 Norwegian film of the same name. The story follows LAPD detective Will Dormer (Al Pacino) who is sent to a remote Alaskan town to investigate the murder of a teenage girl. As Dormer struggles with sleep deprivation caused by the region's perpetual daylight, he accidentally shoots his partner during a foggy chase. The killer, Walter Finch (Robin Williams), witnesses the incident and begins blackmailing Dormer. Hilary Swank co-stars as a local detective assisting in the investigation.
Nolan's Career and Critical Reception
Directed by Christopher Nolan at age 31, Insomnia arrived between his breakout film Memento (2000) and his blockbuster Batman Begins (2005). The film received positive reviews, with critics praising Pacino's performance and Nolan's direction. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 92% based on 210 reviews, with the consensus calling it "a smart, taut psychological thriller." Robin Williams' performance as the antagonist was particularly noted for its departure from his comedic roles.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
The film will air on BBC Two this Friday at 11:05pm. It is also available for streaming on BBC iPlayer now. This broadcast comes as Nolan's latest film, The Odyssey, hits cinemas following rave reviews. The director has since made 13 feature films, with Insomnia remaining a lesser-known but acclaimed entry in his filmography.
