Review of Shutter Island (2010) by Dillinger P — 05 Feb 2014

DiCaprio and Scorsese have enjoyed multiple successes as their on going partnership keep knocking out, at the very least, hard hitting and gripping films. But here is something different for the both of them, a psycho horror, which grips from beginning to end, for multiple reasons and multiple viewings.

Teddy and his new partner are sent to Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of one of its inmates, upon arrival all is not what it seems and after uncovering more and more of "the broader picture" Teddy begins to think more is at stake here than just that of a missing patient.

The cast really sell this film and turn it into something stellar. Leo's performance is subtle, gripping and extremely strong, Mark ruffalo is his strong counter part grounding us as viewers, Kingsley is equally unnerving and has a character arc that is wonderful.

The rest of the cast from Blunt to Max Van Syndow are all perfect and given their smaller parts important weight so that nothing sticks out. the script is well realised and the overall look is gorgeous in an obscure and terrifying way.

The imagery in this film in striking and powerful and at a typical Scorsese lengthed film it never jars. My only quibble is the final twist, what starts as intrigue during the half way mark just blows wide open before the reveal.

we as viewers know exactly where its going by the time Leo thinks he's on to something. its a shame but it doesn't kill the film. almost the opposite, repeated viewings will reveal a whole world of clues and instances to the bigger picture and make this a film worth watching at least 3 times.

If not only to see Scorsese do horror or just out of interest, this film is a definate watch.