After such films as "Taxi Driver," "Raging Bull," "Goodfellas," "Casino," and "The Departed," Martin Scorsese is no doubt one of the best filmmakers of our time. His films are so well-constructed, brilliantly acted, and they always get to us soon after we watch them. His latest film is one that has left us in extreme anticipation and excitement. You put together a great cast(including Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, etc.), a nifty script, some bone-chilling visuals and Martin Scorsese, and what do you get? The result is "Shutter Island."
Based on the best-selling novel by Dennis Lehane, "Shutter Island" is about two Federal Marshals, Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule. Teddy and Chuck have been assigned to a case that revolves around Ashecliffe, a gigantic mental institution in the middle of God knows where on a land called Shutter Island. According to the head staff, including Dr. Cawley and Dr. Naehring, a girl believed to be highly dangerous escaped from Shutter Island, and it is up to Teddy and Chuck to find out where she is. But how can a girl escape a remote island when she was put in a maximum security ward and locked up into a room with a single barred window? And why is Teddy experiencing horrible memories from his past? The truth will be made clear as Teddy and Chuck discover the true intentions of Shutter Island and fight for their survival.
"Shutter Island" is a very different movie for a director like Scorsese. After watching, I was stunned with what he had to offer. This film goes to show you that an extraordinary director can do anything. And the final product is a nicely put together one.
Kill me for thinking so, but this film reminded me very much of director David Lynch during his first film, "Eraserhead." Sure, "Shutter Island" makes much more sense than that film, but when it comes to plot twists and hallucinations, the film is like one big dream, a nightmare in which you can't figure out what's going on until it is time for you to wake up. But when you're at Shutter Island, the nightmare never ends.
Martin Scorsese is no stranger to the thriller genre. He was responsible for the perfect reimagining of "Cape Fear." Now, "Shutter Island" is not Scorsese's best film. However, he is masterful as he creates suspense and builds tension.
I really liked the atmosphere in the film. When we approach Shutter Island, our gut tells us to turn back while we can. But our mind tells us to go inside Ashecliffe and discover what is going on. Let me tell you, the results ain't pretty.
Not only is the movie filled with unsettling visuals, but it's also filled with an all-star cast. This is probably Leonardo DiCaprio's most gut-wrenchingly real and elaborate performance of his career. He brings a realistic tone to Teddy, one that is very disturbing. Teddy's partner, Chuck, is played by Mark Ruffalo, who also does quite well with his part. Ben Kingsley is absolutely perfect as Dr. Cawley. Ebert has said "Kingsley brings an utter menace each time he smiles." Need I say more? The rest of the cast includes Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson, Max von Sydow(The Exorcist!), John Carroll Lynch, Jackie Earle Haley, Michelle Williams(in a very eerie role as Teddy's haunting wife), and Elias Koteas.
I had very different expectations for "Shutter Island." But after I saw it, the result was far beyond what I had expected. After walking out of the theater, the film leaves a lingering sense of dread in you that is hard to wear off. Scorsese is a master of the thriller genre, and he is aided by a stunning cast, a great script, and most of all, a story that is uncommon. In my book, and hopefully in yours, "Shutter Island" is a winner.
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