'Shutter Island' Review- One Epic Climax
I have not read the book so I will focus on the work of cinema.
Shutter Island is a 2010 thriller directed by Martin Scorsese. It is based on the similarly titled 2003 novel by Dennis Lehane. It was released by Paramount Pictures.
US Marshal Edward “Teddy” Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) arrive at the Ashecliffe Hospital on Shutter Island. They are investigating the disappearance of Rachel (Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson), a patient who is accused of killing her three children. The two of them navigate an asylum that has more secrets than answers. The senior psychologist Dr. John Cawley (Ben Kingsley) seems hesitant to help with the investigation.
Scorsese is a brilliant director and he does not hold back with this one. You are entrenched in Teddy’s story as he navigates the hospital to try and discover what happened to the missing woman. He crafts the plot masterfully and brings it all together to an epic climax. You begin to question the reality being presented and that is something unexpected as itself.
I also want to praise the cast. Everyone does a fantastic job and truly pulls you into the plot. DiCaprio is at the top of his game and delivers an enthralling performance. Kingsley, of course, was amazing. He truly topped it off and brought it to fruition.
Robbie Robertson tackled the soundtrack to perfection. Combining modern music with classical was a bold choice and one I am not always on board with, but it worked well here.
No one can deny how thrilling it is. The story grips you and pulls you into the narrative, not giving you a chance to check your phone or grab a snack. It is so brilliantly done, that if you look away, you might miss something important. That is why Scorsese is a master at developing films and I applaud this entry into his filmography.
Bottom line, Shutter Island is a sharp thriller by the master director Martin Scorsese. You will not want to take a break or look away as the twists and turns on screen.
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Foul language, Violence, Some gore, Disturbing images
FAVORITE QUOTE: Did you know that the word ‘trauma’ comes from the Greek for ‘wound’? Hm? And what is the German word for ‘dream’? Traum. Ein Traum. Wounds can create monsters, and you, you are wounded, Marshal. And wouldn’t you agree, when you see a monster, you… you must stop it?
Check out the trailer below:
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, novel, movie, or anime you would like me to review.