Let me preface this review by stating I haven’t read the book written by Dennis Lehane. (The same author who penned Mystic River). So I can’t say if the film version is a spot on adaptation or not. But I will say this about Shutter Island, it is an engrossing and chilling film that will be studied for years to come. Sure to be deemed a classic, even now as I write this critique I am still in awe. To be honest, when I watched the trailers for the film, I wasn’t too impressed. I didn’t quite know what to make of it. But Scorssese and Dicaprio sold me. And so, instead of passing on tonight’s screening, I attended. I’m very glad I did.
This does not feel like your typical Scoresse film. Laced with unsettling imagery and poignant cinematography, it reads like Kubrick. A style not easy to replicate convincingly, whether it was intentional or not, Scorsese does it well. Additionally, Scorsesse continues to cast his films well. In what is now the fourth time directing protégé DiCaprio, the marriage between the two has never been better. It’s never been more solid.
DiCaprio is absolutely excellent in this. Best Actor excellent even. As U.S. Marshall Teddy, Daniel’s, investigating the disappearance of a patient held at the mental facility housed on Shutter Island, his performance mirrors the deep complexity of the script. Playing Daniel’s trustworthy partner Chuck Aule, is the very talented Mark Ruffalo whom I’ve been impressed with since Zodiac. He’s a fine actor who disappears in each character he portrays. Ben Kingsley, amazing. Max Von Sydow… creepy. Jackie Earle Haley does what he does best, make my skin crawl. If this had been released in October Haley could have earned a Supporting Actor nod. Same thing goes for Ruffalo too. But whose performance really resonated with me was Michelle Williams. I won’t speak much about it, as it will give some of the mystery away.
Shutter Island is definitely worthy of a second viewing. When you watch it, you’ll see why. My score: A
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