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Were I forced to create a hierarchy, I suppose I would have to admit a preferrence for classic Martin Scorcese films such as Taxi Driver, Mean Streets, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Last Temptation of Christ and the like; that said, I like all of his films (well, with the possible exception of Boxcar Bertha), and I feel that his recent efforts come very close to his older work. I loved Gangs of New York, The Aviator and The Departed, and while I think they fall just short of Taxi Driver, et al. I also suspect that at least partially I subscribe to this notion out of sentimentallity; it's difficult for me to imagine any film impacting me the way Taxi Driver did when I first viewed it at 13 years of age. At any rate, on to the subject of this review, Shutter Island. This was an interesting choice for the director; heretofore, he's never directed a thriller, unless you count Cape Fear (another excellent film). Though the attentive viewer will begin to suspect what is ultimately revealed in the film's climax, this does little to detract from ones enjoyment. The acting and atmosphere are superb, and Leonardo Dicaprio turns in yet another excellent performance (I never would have dreamt of writing that a short few years ago, incidentally; I loathe trite, affected films like Titanic). Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable film that harks back to the golden age of cinema; it reminds me a bit of Samuel Fuller's ouvre, somehow. Additionally, the picture quality on Blu-ray is absolutely stunning. I highly recommend this film.Read full review
The truth of the matter is ..... I saw this movie in the theatre as soon as it opened. It's one of those movies you have to concentrate on every scene in order to understand the plot. Unfortunately the three of us made the mistake of eating popcorn and drinking a large cola which forced us to leave the theatre twice during the course of the film. I know I had it figured out; my Significant Other "thought" he had it figured out; my teenage stepdaughter had "no clue". I bought the blu-ray so we could all watch it again to make certain we all "got" the plot line. Cheaper than buying theatre tickets for a second showing AND extra people can now enjoy it.
Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a federal marshall and his partner Chuck (Mark Ruffalo) go to Shutter Island, a mental hospital housing the criminally insane to i investigate the disappearance of Rachel Solando. When they get their they find out that more is going on then they imagined and are soon they become stranded on the island as a hurricane approaches. This is a great movie and has a great cast including: Emily Mortimer, Jackie Earle Haley, Max Von Sydow, Patricia Clarkson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, and Ben Kingsley. The movie is dark and highly entertaining for an adult audience. Get this movie and watch it on a dark night for a good scare.
Does the movie reinvent the wheel for this mystery thriller style? No. Though predictable the movie will hold your attention and will make you want to watch it a second time. Martin didn't hit it out of the ball park but he got to third base. I really am starting to enjoy Leo as an actor. He seems to be able to learn and mature as an actor in each movie he has done in the last several years. A fun popcorn movie for your library.
This is an all-around great film. Definitely get it on Bluray because the cinematography and mise en scene is excellent. Leonardo DiCaprio is at his best in this film and he strays away from his traditional roles like Titanic and The Departed. You will be captivated during the whole film and the only way I can describe the ending is that it leaves you numb with the feeling of WOW.
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