Shutter Island is a 2010 American psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese. The film is based on Dennis Lehane's 2003 novel of the same name. Production started in March 2008. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as U.S. Marshal Edward "Teddy" Daniels, who is investigating a psychiatric facility located on the island named in the title. The film grossed over $128 million in its initial domestic theater release.

Shutter Island was originally stated to be released on October 2, 2009, but Paramount Pictures pushed the release date to February 19, 2010.

I liked it, but why in the world would an organization go through so much trouble and expense just to prove to Leo that he was crazy?

I liked it, but why in the world would an organization go through so much trouble and expense just to prove to Leo that he was crazy?

It took legendary film director Martin Scorsese nearly three decades to be recognized at the Oscars for his unrivaled filmmaking. With the making of the Best Picture and Best Director film, “The Departed,” in 2006, it’s hard to deny his patience was worth the wait and awarded deservedly.

Jump ahead to a little more than three years later and Scorsese has returned to the big screen with the psychological thriller, “Shutter Island” – a movie so masterfully done, so resounding in its imagery, so meticulous in its plot pacing, the legendary filmmaker has once again proved that the wait is worthwhile.

Based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane, “Shutter Island” details federal marshal Teddy Daniels’ (Leonardo DiCaprio, “Revolutionary Road”) and newly appointed partner, Chuck Aule’s (Mark Ruffalo, “Where the Wild Things Are”) investigation into the disappearance of a insane asylum patient on Shutter Island.

Upon arrival on Shutter Island, Daniels and Aule are treated suspiciously by the caretakers and especially head physician, Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley, “The Wackness”). With Cawley’s insistent refusal to cooperate fully with the marshals, the two begin to look beyond the missing inmate into what is possibly an elaborate government conspiracy taking place on the island. Haunted by the passing of his wife and tortured by consistent migraines that cause hallucinations, Daniels becomes more and more affected by the mysterious manner of the island and realizes that if he doesn’t solve the case quickly, he might become the asylum’s newest resident.

Good psychological thrillers are rarer than good romantic comedies these days. With most stories being told before, plots are predictable as ever and hardly thrilling. That is unless you have one of the most acclaimed directors of all time visually recreating the story onto film. While Lehane’s story is above the level of most scripts seen in Hollywood today, it is truly Scorsese and his years of experience that elevate “Shutter Island” to levels of greatness.

In all honesty, this film could have been a complete bore. At two hours and 20 minutes long, it probably takes longer than necessary for the film’s conclusion to come. Through the mesmerizing use of lighting, vibrant colors, a pulse pounding score and dream-like sequences, the story is not prolonged, only extremely detailed.

Using styles commonly seen in old film noir and even many Stanley Kubrick films, Scorsese unravels “Shutter Island” ’s mystery through small, visually enticing pieces, often purposely teasing viewers with its ambiguity. Daniels’ flashbacks/hallucinations mix disturbing memories, such as his wife’s death and his haunting experiences in a Nazi death camp, with a sea of overwhelming visuals, such as sets slowly turning into burning ash and blood drenched clothing. On top of that, the somewhat curiously consistent use of water to propel the plot forward captures an important symbolism that gives even more depth to Daniels’ character.

Bringing the torment and frustration of Daniels to life is DiCaprio in yet another role that cements him as one of the most talented actors currently working. Reviving the Boston accent he used in “The Departed,” Dicaprio’s authority as this intelligent marshal determined on uncovering wrongdoing is never questioned. Come the end, and the film outright tells you the answers to all the questions (or so one would think), one would be inclined not to believe it because of strong emotional and sympathetic feelings DiCaprio has created with his character.

Backing the prestige that DiCaprio and Scorsese have created in their past four endeavors together is a magnificent supporting cast that is an early contender for the year’s best ensemble. While Ruffalo plays his sidekick role with compassion and honesty, it is the sure-footed presence of Kingsley that steals the show. His commanding aura mixed with a hint of sarcastic stubbornness helps build upon the idea that Shutter Island undoubtedly has a malicious existence. In one of the three female supporting roles, Michelle Williams (“Wendy and Lucy”) brings a passionate eeriness to Daniels’ deceased wife who now haunts his dreams. As the two Rachel’s, Emily Mortimer (“The Pink Panther 2”) and Patricia Clarkson (“Vicky Christina Barcelona”) dive deep into twisted characters, leaving memorable impressions of those who are mentally deranged.

In his second attempt at a thriller/horror picture, Scorsese proves that his first attempt into the genre, “Cape Fear,” was not a onetime stroke of genius. Many filmmaking techniques that made “Cape Fear” such a landmark in its respected genre are used in “Shutter Island” to give it that extra punch. Most specifically is the use of the overpowering score. In the 1991 flick, a set of booming chords are used repeatedly throughout the film to bring menace to Deniro’s villain. In “Shutter Island,” a similar set of booming notes are used to create tension on the island, but only during selective moments, highlighting the film’s unpredictable intensity.

To my great surprise, many critics have called “Shutter Island” one of Scorsese’s lesser work. I wholeheartedly disagree. While certain aspects of this movie, including the good, not great plot, hold this movie back from becoming an instant classic, this movie ranks as some of the most masterful and finely crafted work from any director working today. Though it holds little meaning at this time, I feel confident in calling “Shutter Island” the best movie of this decade.

My full review is up over at unrinsight.com. Check it out and let me know what you think!

http://www.unrinsight.com/?p=5178

Boy there sure is a split on this movie. Lots of love and hate.

I see 3 negatives and the rest all raves...

Please stay out of this forum

W/E.

Anyway. 6-3 with such exteme views shows that it is worthy to question the two different sides.

And ps. Seems I guessed the ending based on the trailer.

O Caius, what Grill really is alluding to is the soon-to-be-created poll asking which of 'the two different sides' is actually right.

O Caius, what Grill really is alluding to is the soon-to-be-created poll asking which of 'the two different sides' is actually right.

Sorry new clueless one. Wrong. And nice fake account.