Reviewed by Lisa Fore
Genre: Drama, Psychological Thriller
Released: February 19th, 2010
Rating: R for disturbing violent content, language and some nudity
Film Credits
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Max von Sydow, Emily Mortimer, Jackie Earle Haley, Ted Levine
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The first sign this was going to be a great ride (other than Scorsese at the helm) -- title credits ebbing with atmospheric selections from 'The Shining.' Fans who hear it, can easily roll right "into the mood," and Shutter Island is absolutely the sexiest thriller since 'The Usual Suspects.'
Leonardo DiCaprio brings another Oscar-worthy performance as a brooding and bruised U.S. Marshall, Teddy Daniels. Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule arrive at the isolated prison compound of Shutter Island's Ashecliffe Hospital on the hunt for a dangerous murderess, Rachel Salando, who escaped the facilities and is running loose on the island. It seems like a simple case of hide and seek, until the officers are stranded on the island as a monstrous hurricane bears down on the area, cutting off all connection to the mainland. However, the storm seems to be a minor inconvenience compared to the chaos bubbling within the walls of Ashecliffe. The hospital's administrator, Dr. Cawley (the brilliant Sir Ben Kingsley) is perfectly congenial host, however there are definitely vibes of resistance underneath his
charm, while Cawley's associate, Dr. Naehring (Max von Sydow), sets off a disturbing slew of memories for Daniels, bringing the nightmares of liberating Jewish prisoners from the Nazis at Dachau back into full horrific view.
Then, of course, there's still the matter of Rachel Salondo.
That's all I'm relinquishing, I am not, and simply can not say anything else without taking away from this twisting, and very twisted tale.
Scorsese completely nailed every chilling aspect of Dennis Lehane's amazing story with all of the effortless skill that maintains his reputation as a master of film, while DiCaprio knocked this role completely out of the park with an intensity that is absolutely staggering. While Sir Ben Kingsley, Ted Levine and Mark Ruffalo were truly fantastic, my next favorite, and the most surprising performance came from Michelle Williams, who with a single smile (and you will definitely know it when you see it) completely froze the blood in my veins. She was brutally magnificent.
If you've read Lehane's novel before seeing the film, then I hope you've found as much enjoyment in this film as I have, but even if you haven't read it (and shame on you) it's impossible not to feel completely blown away by the experience.
As a matter of fact, I'm going back in for another go tomorrow.
Thank you Mr. Scorsese for this masterpiece. Shutter Island is an absolute triumph!
Overall Rating: A solid 5 ALL the way.
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