Shutter Island

Shutter Island
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Max von Sydow, Patricia Clarkson
Director: Martin Scrosese
Runtime: 138 Minutes

Be advised that this review contains a discussion of key elements to the movie, while not exactly revealing spoilers, if you want to a fresh viewing of the movie I suggest you read with caution.

Much of the talk on Shutter Island the last few weeks has focused on in its supposed “twist” ending. This is a bit unfair as the movie should be viewed as an entire experience, where the reality of everything is questioned. That being said, I will keep this review brief as not to tread too far into spoiler territory.


Most of you will know the basic gist of the story, Leonardo DiCaprio plays a US Marshal in Boston that is sent to investigate the disappearance of patient at a facility for the criminally insane. Not helping matter is that this facility is located on an isolated island, and that his investigation coincides with an incoming hurricane. DiCaprio quickly gets the sense that all is not right with this particular facility.

Shutter Island could have easily played out as your standard genre film. Directed with forcefulness and a singular vision, Shutter Island rarely finds a dull moment in its 2 hour plus running time. Scorsese has never been accused on compromising his vision of a story and that holds true. Shutter Island oozes with atmosphere; from the head doctor’s office, to a sketchy lighthouse and images of the storm a sense of dread and confusion hangs over the proceedings. Scorsese and the entire production do a wonderful job of luring the viewer into this world.  I was struck with how closely the film’s mood reminded me of The Shining. Both movies play with reality and use an impending storm to heighten that sense of confusion.

Also present is Scorsese’s usual exploration of guilt. DiCaprio’s character is constantly haunted by the reminder of his wife’s cruel death and the atrocities he faced in Germany. He is unable to come to terms with what he has done and what he has seen, as the mystery on the island grows deeper so does DiCaprio’s guilt.

The movie is filled out nicely with a superb cast, with both Ben Kingsley and Max von Sydow delivering blistering supporting performances. Initially I was afraid Kingsley’s character would be too obvious, but he plays him just right, whether we should trust him or not remains a question to the very end. The always marvelous Patricia Clarkson also delivers a standout performance in her only scene. Michelle Williams, Mark Ruffalo, Ted Levine, Jackie Earle Haley, Emily Mortimer and Elias Koteas round out the cast nicely.

A few last words on the ending, while it doesn’t blindside you it works well with preceded it. Even in appears to be a conclusion, the viewer still has questions to what it all means and if he can still trust everything he has heard or seen.

Regardless, it’s great to Scorsese unrestrained from the burden of trying to win an Oscar. He forged a singular vision for this movie and ran with. Thankfully the movie fits nicely into his canon and acts as a nice introduction to those unfamiliar with is work.

B+