“You act like insanity is catching.” —Teddy
Today’s quick review: Shutter Island. U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner (Mark Ruffalo) are sent to a mental hospital on Shutter Island, a secluded island in Boston Harbor, to search for a patient who has gone missing. Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley), the psychiatrist in charge of the facility, gives them the run of the island, but as Teddy’s investigation continues, he begins to suspect there is more going on than meets the eye.
Shutter Island is a psychological thriller from director Martin Scorsese. Shutter Island features a rock-solid script, a talented cast, and skillful direction. The movie explores themes of trauma and mental illness against the backdrop of a mysterious mental hospital in the 1950s. Its tense tone can make it a difficult watch, but Shutter Island takes care not to abuse its power, and it rewards the viewer’s patience with a worthwhile mystery.
Shutter Island does a skillful job of building up its atmosphere. More suspense than horror, the film uses a variety of techniques to keep the tension high without resorting to pure shock value. The island itself is a nearly perfect setting: inhospitable, full of old buildings, and populated with the mentally ill. The cinematography also plays tricks on the viewer, such as subtle continuity errors or disorienting cuts, to maintain a sense of unease.
Shutter Island’s strong presentation is backed by a well-constructed plot. Exactly what Teddy has stumbled into is kept vague until the end, but tantalizing clues, a steady plot progression, and flashes of Teddy’s own memories are enough to keep the viewer engaged until then. Those who prefer mysteries they can puzzle out on their own will be frustrated, but those willing to follow in Teddy’s footsteps will be rewarded with a satisfying payoff.
Try Shutter Island when you are in the mood for a suspenseful mystery with a psychological twist. The film’s high degree of craftsmanship makes it worth checking out for anyone who can stomach the suspense. For a sensitive viewer, Shutter Island will be an uncomfortable watch, but less so than films that dip into true horror. For a more gruesome psychological thriller, try The Machinist. For another unconventional mystery, try Memento.
8.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for excellent writing, atmosphere, and overall execution.