Review: Shutter Island

The release of Shutter Island was moved from its originally planned October 2009 date to February 19th however not for the typical reasons that result in delays. Paramount fully believed in the picture but they didn’t have the funds to push it for the Academy Awards and star Leonardo DiCaprio was too busy filming the upcoming Inception to promote it. So the decision was made to move it, and though movies that release this early in a year are generally forgotten by Oscar time, Shutter Island will likely find itself included in the discussion.

The story follows two Federal Marshalls who arrive at a mysterious island that houses criminals who have been deemed insane and too dangerous for any other facilities to hold. The Marshalls are there to investigate the disappearance of one of the captives. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Teddy Daniels, who heads up the investigation with his new partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo). They face resistance from the staff which is led primarily by Ben Kingsley.

That though, is just the basis for the story. It takes several twists and turns along the way which kept me guessing throughout and legitimately surprised me in a few instances. Something I really liked is that there is basically no setup, as you arrive on the island with the characters immediately and know about as much as they do and then go on a ride as everything unfolds. The ending also can be interpreted two different ways and is interesting to discuss.

Based on the book by Dennis Lehane, I recognize that those who have read it may have different expectations going in. So I can only offer the perspective of someone who watched it not knowing what to expect. And while I think that enhanced the experience for me, I’d feel confident recommending the film to anyone. Martin Scorsese has created a fantastic experience with his direction and pacing, the cinematography is excellent and there are some really unique visuals in dream sequences, and the score really brings home an ominous tone.

This is one of the rare movies that I immediately want to go out and see again. Not just because it was enjoyable, but in knowing that there were clues and hints planted to the final resolution along the way. I can think of a few of them already but I’m sure that I missed things and would enjoy spotting what was so expertly planted but never in a manner that gave the conclusion away.

If this review seems vague that was the intention. There is a lot more to the story as it plays itself out and I don’t want to spoil any of it. There are some really unique elements involved as more is learned not just about the facility and those that inhabit it but also about the main characters. It all leads up to an ending that doesn’t disappoint.

There is no doubt in my mind that Shutter Island would have been nominated for Best Picture if it had released late last year. The direction, acting, visuals, and score all come together to create a Hitchcockian experience. It is strong enough that I believe Shutter Island will still be on the minds of the voters once 2010 is complete.

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