I much prefer the original 1997 Norwegian version of this movie by the same name. It was subtle and nuanced. The remake hits you over the head and spells everything out.
I don't suppose I could watch the remake and be unbiased because I did like the original so much. But even so, standing on it's own it just didn't draw me in emotionally. Pacino's partner, Hap, was completely characterless, I really couldn't care less what happened to him.
Swank calls it in as well. Williams is the only bright spot. That and our beautiful British Columbia scenery that doubles for Alaska. I think it was filmed in Stewart BC - just gorgeous.
Pacino would have done better to not run around looking like a slack jawed imbecile who hasn't showered in six months. You get the feeling had the actor been any other, the director, Nolan, would have asked his star to shut his mouth and get his hair washed and cut. Or just rein him in, Pacino needs a very strong director to keep him from chewing everything in sight. In the original version, the lead detective pulls it off because his sleeplessness is only very subtly portrayed. Because, let's get real, any cop looking like Pacino, out of control and drunk, would have been given a little break by his superiors. I did love him in Scent of a Woman, what a sexy and subtle actor he can be. That and Scar Face and that's about it so I'm not a fan.
I also get the feeling Nolan would have liked to make this movie more like the original but couldn't because the producers were looking for a certain type of movie. It's a shame really.
Skip it - rent the original. This movie didn't move me one bit, the original made me hot for some odd reason. I loved the lead and sexual tension. Thankfully though, they didn't try to pull any of that with Pacino.
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