Movie Review: “Shutter Island”
Franck Tabouring
Seen on: February 16, 2010
The players: Director: Martin Scorsese, Writer: Laeta Kalogridis, Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Max von Sydow
Facts of interest: Based on the book by Dennis Lehane.
The plot: Two marshals travel to Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a prisoner from the mental institution, but neither of them is ready to face what really happened there.
Our thoughts: Martin Scorsese’s psychological mystery thriller “Shutter Island” is by far not a masterpiece, but the film’s creepy atmosphere, compelling characters, outstanding technical credits and fabulous cast definitely help overshadow some of its rather obvious story flaws. Although no Scorsese classic, “Shutter Island” is still worth a trip to the multiplex.
In what is one heck of a brilliant opening sequence, we meet Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Teddy Daniels, a U.S. marshal struggling with seasickness on his way to Shutter Island, an infamous prison-like hospital for the criminally insane. He and his new partner Chuck (Mark Ruffalo) are sent to the remote island to investigate the disappearance of a prisoner.
Shortly after their arrival, Teddy and Chuck quickly realize that Shutter Island is a strange place. In yet another brilliant performance, Ben Kingsley plays the hospital’s head, Dr. Cawley, a strange fellow who makes it very clear from the start that the visiting marshals don’t have any authority on Shutter Island. He even makes them surrender their firearms.
From here, it all goes downhill for Teddy and Chuck. As the mystery of this vanishes patient deepens, Teddy begins to suspect something else is haunting this unconventional institution, and as he attempts to dig deeper into finding the truth, he soon uncovers a secret that will push him to the edge and make him revisit the darker moments of his life.
At this point, this is all I can say about plot without revealing too much. “Shutter Island” is one of those thrillers trying to shock audiences with a big twist in the end, and while I admit I figured out the puzzle rather early, I’m still happy to announce the movie kept me intrigued up until the very last minute. That, of course, is a great sign.
Now, the script by Laeta Kalogridis has some obvious plot holes, and one thing that annoyed me at times is the film’s 138-minute running time. Some parts here and there end up dragging a tad too much without really advancing the story, and what we end up seeing on the big screen could’ve been easily packed into a shorter, more efficient movie.
Still, Teddy’s adventure on the mysterious island is intriguing enough to keep audiences captivated, and Scorsese does an excellent job at slowly revealing what his character is all about. Recurring dream sequences, for instance, prove yet again that Scorsese is a master at creating outstandingly beautiful sequences that help establish character onscreen.
Apart from that, “Shutter Island” looks gorgeous, and the film’s atmosphere builds suspense throughout. It’s definitely a compelling look into the unusual psyche of a man not ready to face the truth about the puzzle he’s trying to solve. I never read Dennis Lehane’s novel, so I can’t comment on whether “Island” stays true to the source material.
While the plot occasionally stalls and the story line remains on the more superficial end at times, “Shutter Island” luckily boasts a cast that will blow you away. Leonardo DiCaprio just keeps getting better and better, and he handles the challenging role of Teddy without a problem. Sure, he’s over thw top at times, but that’s what this role requires.
Ruffalo, as usual, turns in a fine performance, and Kingsley, as I already mentioned, is phenomenal. He is a real instigator of suspense, and he just dominates in every scene he’s in. The supporting cast includes great appearances by Patricia Clarkson, Emily Mortimer, Michelle Williams, Max von Sydow, Elias Koteas and Jackie Earle Haley.
Freaky quote: "Don't you get it? You're a rat in a maze." - Jackie Earle Haley as a scary dude
The final word: “Shutter Island” is not for everyone. It’s neither Scorsese’s best recent film. It’s a remarkable effort, for sure, and while it delivers in certain areas, it falls flat in others. The stunning look, edgy direction and superb cast boost the experience of seeing this one in theaters, and if only the story worked as well, we’d be watching a masterpiece. Maybe next time.
Article by Franck Tabouring
Reader Comments (3)
The plot holes and "rather obvious story flaws" should be elaborated on, but they kind of all get explained away.
I think the beauty of the entire movie is you don’t know how to feel and you don’t know which to believe. You are very much in the mind of Leo’s character. Paranoid and stuck between two different things that both could very much be true. I called it very early on. The fact that it didn’t show him anywhere else but the Ferry and the Island. He has experienced Trauma. The Doctor said he does experimental procedures. Patients seemed coached. Just met his partner. And there wasn’t much to the movie unless he was crazy. Frankly, practically from the beginning I just felt that’s the only way it could have been.
Warning: slight spoiler.
Predictable, since the stars of the movies went on night shows telling everyone there is a "twist" at the end, and within minutes in the movie the "woman who drowned kids while hubby was in the war" comment made sense when we see the first two "flashbacks" to the war and the dead kid.
Besides that, well acted by Leonardo, and the story is interesting and well developed. Great cinematography and scenery.
I give this movie a B, if I were to grade it.
:)