MovieChat Forums > Insomnia (2002) Discussion > Even though they have different names, I...

Even though they have different names, I view this film as being another story that is about Vincent Hanna (spoilers)

posted 3 years ago by PopMusicFan1927 (114)
3 replies | jump to latest

Obviously, Will Dormer and Vincent Hanna have different names. Yet both characters obviously are played by Al Pacino - and both characters are each respected and seasoned LAPD detectives who both have a similar fiery streak in their respective personalities.Quite simply, I view this film as being the epilogue to the life and career of Vincent Hanna. I mean, Hanna totally is the type of detective who we could easily see planting evidence on a killer that he knew to be guilty. That along with the fact that Nolan seems to leave it ambiguous as to if Dormer shot and killed Hap by mistake or on purpose seems like something we can easily see Hanna doing (the fact that Dormer switched pistols before he fired at Hap really seemed sketchy to me - yes, we can hear a very light click sound as he pulls the trigger before reaching for his backup weapon, but even that seemed very ambigious also). I mean, any law enforcement/trusted authority figure who is a regular cocaine user such as Hanna, would in theory have no problem with breaking laws/policies when nobody is looking, especially if it is to secure a conviction or save his own ass.

I know that Nolan is a HUGE fan of Heat, so I really would not be surprised if this was his intent while making this film.

[–] daveyh (641) 3 years ago

glad it's not just me who's thought that! Not just LAPD detectives, but specifically dealing with homicide (OK, Hanna switched from robbery-homicide to homicide sometime in those 7 years between stories).
There's been no effort to change the appearance - the hair's the same, he stays clean shaven, he even dresses the same with that leather jacket.
And the line "wrapped up IN GARBAGE BAAAAGS" could have come straight out of Heat

[–] Ace_Spade (9659) a year ago

I don't see it.

We can set aside the different names - although tha'ts not nothing; they have completely different names - and just look at the character traits; I don't think they line up.

Hanna is much sharper and more methodical than Dormer. Dormer takes time soaking in the crime scenes, contemplating the victim's personality, etc., while Vincent Hanna is - like McCauly's gang - ready to rock 'n' roll at the drop of a hat. He does things fast, sharp, and with zero hesitation.

I do not see eye-to-eye with you that Hanna is the kind of detective to plant evidence. If he was, he'd have ginned something up instead of folding. "They will WALK and you will LET THEM!" If he was going to fudge it, he'd fudge it. The fact that he doesn't says a lot. He never plants anything, resorts to entrapment, busts in without cause or a warrant; Hanna plays everything straight in Heat. It's not impossible that he'd plant it, but I have my doubts, and unless there's an indication in Heat, I can't agree with this point.

Actually, let's consider his weaponry. Vincent Hanna doesn't carry a Walther 9mm, he carries a Colt M1991 ACP. The Colt is a .45, not a 9mm. Dormer's primary weapon is a .45, but it's not the Colt; it's a Smith & Wesson. While it's not impossible that his choice of sidearm changed, it's one less connective point. Plus, Hanna doesn't seem to carry a backup. Dormer does.

They do both dress in dark clothes, and they are both played by Al Pacino, but I really don't see the connection.

[–] Melton (5618) a year ago

You’re forgetting another thing they have in common - they both have heads.