Shutter Island

“Shutter Island” is definitely one of the most intense and engaging mystery films I have ever seen. Directed by the infamous Martin Scorsese (undeniably one of his more excellent films), the film plays out beautifully on screen, a psychological thriller at its best. The suspenseful musical score was accommodating, though at times was intrusive and distracting. For anyone who has not read the book (myself included, though I now plan to), the twist ending was shocking, unpredictable, and unprecedented. The performances of the actors were captivating. “Shutter Island” deserves a trip to your local theater, and it will end up in many movie collections, including mine.

How you feel about the ending to this film seems to be the deciding factor on whether or not you enjoy it. Some feel that the ending was a cheat, and that the story took an easy way out to explain everything. Others, such as myself, feel that the ending was pure brilliance, if slightly far-fetched. There were small hints and signs all throughout the movie that subtly revealed pieces of the ending until, finally, everything came together in one giant blast of enlightenment. Certainly the end is thought-provoking, albeit a bit confusing before you get your facts straight on the Internet.

Most of the film had an accompanying orchestra to add more suspense to everything, regardless of whether the particular scene required any more. Now, it was very helpful in alerting the audience that something scary is about to happen, but sometimes, it just got in the way. You’ll notice this especially at the arrival to the island, when the score becomes particularly overpowering, and actually annoying.

Despite this, you are able to feel emotionally attached to the characters, simply because they act so well. Oh, how wonderful were the days when child actors were popular because they were talented (*cough* Robert Pattinson *cough cough*). Leonardo DiCaprio was a great actor from the beginning, and all of his talent and experience shines through in “Shutter Island.” Not shortchanging the rest of the cast, the supporting actors were brilliant as well. The audience really will hate and love the characters wherever necessary. Ben Kingsley did a fantastic job as the hospital’s chief psychiatrist.

“Shutter Island” is a stunning, well-crafted, and well-acted film. I give it 9 out of 10 stars. The film displays drama, beauty, suspense, mystery, thrills and chills. When Scorsese gets it right, it’s hard to deny his genius. Fans of the book and newcomers alike will enjoy this.