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Insomnia

A tough cop. A brilliant killer. An unspeakable crime.

2002 · 118 min · Thriller
7.4 Modest
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Thriller Crime Drama

Two Los Angeles homicide detectives are dispatched to a northern town where the sun doesn't set to investigate the methodical murder of a local teen.

Country of origin
🇺🇸 United States
Year
2002
Studio
Alcon Entertainment · Witt/Thomas Productions · Section Eight

Trivia & behind the scenes

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Origins

Insomnia is a remake of a 1997 Norwegian film of the same name. Christopher Nolan said he became aware of the original film even before the release of his own directorial debut Following, and decided to remake it after watching it twice.

Origins

Jonathan Demme was originally attached to direct the film and had considered Harrison Ford for the lead role of Will Dormer.

Casting

The film cast Robin Williams as a villain, a major departure from the comedic roles he was known for; Nolan said audiences would feel like they were seeing a 'new' Robin Williams.

Casting

Christopher Nolan praised Robin Williams's performance as flawless, saying that even after watching the film hundreds of times during editing, he never saw the acting 'peel off' from the character.

Casting

In 2026, Nicolas Cage revealed to The New York Times that he had been offered a role in the film but turned it down, without specifying which part.

Filming

The film was shot over three months from April to June 2001, with locations including the Columbia Glacier near Valdez, Alaska, Squamish and Port Alberni in British Columbia, and Bridal Veil Falls on the Richardson Highway.

Filming

For the final lake house scene, filmed at Strohn Lake in Bear Glacier Provincial Park near Stewart, British Columbia, the crew built Finch's lake house and dock from scratch and then completely disassembled and removed it after filming wrapped in June 2001.

Reception

Erik Skjoldbjærg, director of the original Norwegian film, praised Nolan's remake, saying he felt lucky that such a well-crafted film was made and that a good remake doesn't hurt the original.

Reception

Christopher Nolan later called Insomnia his most underrated film, describing it as one of his most personal works since it was his first studio film and the first time he worked with major movie stars.

Trivia

A novelization of the film, written by Robert T. Westbrook, was published by Onyx in May 2002.

Memorable quotes

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[last words] Let me sleep. Just let me sleep.

Will Dormer Dying words, asking for peace

[last words] You forgot the wild card, Will.

Walter Finch Dying words after final confrontation

Can't sleep, Will?

Walter Finch Taunting the sleep-deprived detective

You and I share a secret. We know how easy it is to kill somebody. That ultimate taboo. It doesn't exist outside our minds. I didn't murder her. I killed her, but it just ended up that way.

Walter Finch Explaining his twisted view of killing

You don't get it, do you, Finch? You're my job. You're what I'm paid to do. You're about as mysterious to me as a blocked toilet is to a fucking plumber. Reasons for doing what you did? Who gives a fuck?

Will Dormer Dismissing Finch's need to explain himself

You have no evidence I killed Kay. You only know because I told you what I saw.

Walter Finch Pointing out the detective's lack of proof

Fred Duggar: What has two thumbs and likes blowjobs? [Points to himself with both thumbs] This guy!

Fred Duggar Crude joke among detectives

Rachel Clement: There are two kinds of people in Alaska: those who were born here and those who come here to escape something. I wasn't born here.

Rachel Clement Describing life in Alaska

Hap Eckhart: You tried to kill me? Fuck you!

Hap Eckhart Reacting after a near-fatal shooting

How the community felt

😵 Shocked 100%
😭 Sad 33%

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