INSOMNIA -- *** -- Stellan Skarsgard, Sverre Anker Ousdal, Bjorn Floberg, Gisken Armand, Marianne O. Ulrichsen, Bjorn Moan, Maria Bonnevie, Maria Mathiesen, Thor Michael Aamodt; in Norwegian, with English subtitles; not rated, probable R (violence, nudity, sex, gore, profanity, vulgarity); exclusively at the Tower Theatre.It may have an unlikable hero and a cryptic plot, but the Norwegian film "Insomnia" works -- if for no other reason than the fact that it gets the atmosphere right.
Actually, there's more to this subtly creepy police thriller than just that, including an unpredictable, even shocking story line that may lose inattentive or impatient audiences, and an almost overwhelming sense of tension throughout the final third.
But what sets "Insomnia" apart from other recent crime movies is its creepy, otherworldly atmosphere. And star Stellan Skarsgard's ("Ronin") intentionally unsympathetic, yet strangely compelling characterization.
The film's title refers to the odd sleeping habits of Jonas Engstrom (Skarsgard), a detective sent to remote northern Norway to investigate the murder of a schoolgirl.
Suffering from sleep deprivation (due to the constant sunlight) and unable to see his way through some nasty fog, Jonas accidentally shoots his partner (Sverre Anker Ousdal) during a pursuit. Afraid of the consequences, he conceals his mistake and tries to pin it on the suspect, who is still at large.
But a fellow officer (Gisken Armand) is suspicious. And there's a witness -- the schoolgirl's murderer, who forces Jonas to help cover his tracks (by framing the girl's unfortunate boyfriend for the killing).
As played by Skarsgard, Jonas is too unlikable to be a traditional hero (some of his actions will probably even make you wince). But to be honest, there aren't a whole lot of appealing characters in the film . . . aside from Ousdal, who nearly steals the show out from under him, playing Jonas' talky, forgetful partner.
But thanks to the odd, slow pacing (which works, for the most part) and Erik Skjoldbaerg's skillful direction, it's hard to look away. And despite Jonas being such an unrepentant creep, for some reason you'll be fascinated at discovering what happens to him.
"Insomnia" is not rated, but would probably receive an R for brawling and gunplay, male and female nudity, simulated sex, gore, scattered profanity and use of some vulgar slang.