March 9: Shutter Island

"Drama set in 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is investigating the disappearance of a murderess who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane and is presumed to be hiding nearby."

  Shutter Island is one of my favorite Martin Scorsese films. It borrows a lot of the style he has had in say, The Departed, but adds the suspense and paranoia of Taxi Driver. Leonardo DiCaprio is, again, the star of Scorsese's film, and I genuinely think it is one of his best performances. The duo have worked together four times and are seemingly chasing Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. However, unlike Burdeppon, Scorseprio never venture into the "too weird". And, while Shutter Island may seem a little out there, it's all psychological and based in reality. The film is a combination of a who-dun-it mystery with an even darker side to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and it works insanely well. 

Less Chief, more Sir Ben Kinsley

   Some of the best aspects to Shutter Island are the setting and camerawork. Filmed on location in an old hospital and asylum, each building is its own character, and adds so much to the film. Scorsese's use of heightened colors and higher contrasts adds a beauty to the terror and the use of this, as well as the locations, lead you to believe Shutter Island is more safe than not. Another great part of Shutter Island is the score, borrowing many beautiful orchestra pieces that are, at times, familiar. The volume is raised very high (to 11) and the loud sounds keep your senses heightened and on edge. 

Giving chills since.... 1400 A.D?

   Overall, Shutter Island is a beautifully tragic film that is well acted all around, with amazing performances from DiCaprio, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer, and Jackie Earle Haley (so underused). The film is shot with the mastery you could only get from Scorsese and brings everything he can to the film. My biggest complaint of the film is that, from watching any trailer, you can get a good idea of the twist that's in store. Otherwise, I would highly recommend Shutter Island on any day of the week. 

The Good:

Leonardo DiCaprio in one of his finest performances

The Better:

Eerie, yet beautiful locations used for the film

The Best:

Martin Scorsese continues to be godly when it comes to directing

Overall: 9.8/10

Best Quote:

Teddy: "Baby, why are you all wet?"

Trailer: