Shutter Island movie review
Shutter Island movie credits:
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Written by: Laeta Kalogridis (screenplay) and Dennis Lehane (novel)
Cast:
Leonardo DiCaprio (Teddy Daniels)
Mark Ruffalo (Chuck Aule)
Ben Kingsley (Dr. Cawley)
Release date: 2010
Spoiler alert: some crucial elements of the movie are commented in the following review. Be warned!
My bloody rating:
Shutter Island movie review:
In 1954, Federal Marshal Teddy Daniels is sent along with his new partner on Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a patient named Rachel Solando. This woman was sent to this mental facility after drowning her three kids.
However, it's not the only reason why Daniels wants to investigate Shutter Island. Someone related to the death of her girlfriend might also be a patient of this creepy mental hospital.
This movie is the fourth collaboration between DiCaprio and Scorcese. Besides "The Departed", this might be the best movie these two have produced together so far.
To begin with, the cast of the movie is quite impressive and interesting (Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Jackie Earle Haley, Ted Levine, Max von Sydow, Emily Mortimer and Michelle Williams). You won't see a weak performance from any of the actors mentioned above.
The set of "Shutter Island" is also impressive. The Island is one creepy character by itself and the movie being set in the 50s, the attention to details is so obvious that it makes the whole thing believable and genuine.
The photography is beautiful and well-rendered. Everything is made to create a frightening and weird environment and fortunately, it does work pretty well!
The tension is slowly growing as the story is progressing and it's not always easy to figure out where Scorcese wants to take us, but that's the beauty of it!
The plot of "Shutter Island" is simple, somehow predictable if you think about it and unfortunately, deceiving for many who had the chance to see it. Don't expect an ending with a philosophical or esoteric message.
I have to agree that this is one ending that can be quite disappointing for those who don't enjoy witnessing a logical conclusion to this beautiful thriller. Many have felt cheated by Scorsese's finale!
In my case, even if I might agree that it's a little easy and simple, I think that the path to get there was much fun and exciting that it doesn't matter if the ending is a surprise that isn't really one.
The ending is not bad, but it's just not the same caliber as the rest of the movie. Fortunately, even if I know now how the movie ends, it will be a pleasure to watch it again.
Scorsese's latest film is a joy to watch and don't let the so-called average ending spoil the fun of this creepy and weird adventure!
Shutter Island movie review written by: Martin Berube
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