Thursday, February 18, 2010

Shutter Island



Much has been made of this movie. The frustration at having the dates pushed back and then finally, like Christmas, it was apon us. There is little to tell of the story of this Hitchockian film noir by Sir Martin of Scorsese, for to outline the story too far would be to give the plot away. It's the tale of Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio), a US Marshall, that along with his partner (Mark Ruffalo) embark on a journey in 1954 to an institute for the criminally insane on Shutter Island. Their task is to investigate the mysterious disappearance of an inpatient. Teddy is assisted with his enquiries by the Director of the Institue (Sir Ben Kingsley) and various other inpatients and staff. During the course of the film the Marshall descends in on himself in a spiral of hallucinations, memories of the liberation of Dachau, meetings and migraines. All is not as it seems on Shutter Island...
Firstly, without question, the acting is superb. Leonardo DiCaprio gives yet another powerhouse performance, his descent into hell is emotional and understated, you feel his confusion and despair. Mark Ruffalo is consistantly excellent in everything he does, and his turn as Leo's partner is relaxed and warm, an excellent contrast to Marshall Daniel's wreck. Sir Ben Kingsley needs no introduction and his portrayal as the kindly, compassionate Director (or is he?) is wonderful. The rest of the cast, the divine Patricial Clarkson, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer, Jackie Earle Hayley, the formidable Max Von Sydow, Ted Levine (remember him as Jame Gumb?) all just add to the quality and depth of this film. The score is menacing, the scenery hellish and strangely beautiful and the flashback/hallunication/nightmare sequences are the stuff of dreams, albeit rather hellish ones. The atmosphere this film creates is menacing, but with a sadness too. People will be looking for twists and turns at every corner, I say relax, it's not The Crying Game, there is no big reveal, rather a slow revelation over the course of the 2 1/2 hours. Be warned, some of this film is hard to watch, and shockingly confronting. Enjoy this magnificent film which embraces many genres, it's a wild ride, but I wouldn't want to take it with anyone other than Leo and Martin. SHUTTER ISLAND: Don't pay the Ferry Man. 9/10.

12 comments:

  1. OOOH! Sounds amazing! I agree that Leo is a somewhat underrated & totally excellent actor. People seem to be hung up on the fact that he looks youthful (jealousy??) and don't always take the time to notice his superbly nuanced performances. This movie doesn't open here for a few weeks yet, but I'll be first in the queue when it does! Enjoy your weekend, Ce xoxo Rachel

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Rachel, glad that you're appreciate Leo's body of work too. Have a wonderful weekend. XXX

    ReplyDelete
  3. We are really looking forward to seeing this.
    Rachel told me about your reviews, and I really like them. My only qualm is that it's difficult to read white on black....but maybe that's just me! :)
    Looking forward to more!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a great review. Like yours better than Roger Ebert's which I read. Wasn't going to see this movie but you change my mind. Great insightful review. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ooh I am really looking forward to seeing this now, thank you for the review. You write very well and I cannot wait to read more :) By the way I love your blog name! That is my most favourite way of enjoying cinema popcorn :)
    Morwenna xo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dear Country Girl,
    Thanks for the lovely comment, I will take the 'white on black' advice on board, haven't yet found my feet completely with this blog so will be tweaking over the weeks! xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dear Sandra,
    Many thanks for your posting, I really love the movies and so enjoy reviewing them. I hope that you enjoy the movie as much as I did.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello Morwenna,
    I feel like you're an old friend from Rachel's blog sites! I just love the half sweet half salty combo! xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oooh, the blue on blue is so much better! I was so into your review, loved reading it, but my eyes were hurting the whole time! This looks fantastic and is easy on the eyes :)
    I really hope this movie comes out soon here. I am also itching to see Viggo Mortensen in The Road, have you seen it yet? Am looking forward to your review on it!
    xo country girl

    ReplyDelete
  10. Glad you liked the changes, Country Girl, and as if by magic, here's The Road......

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Ce, yes I visit darling Rachel's blog and I am so very happy to have found yours too. It is funny how this online blogging community has brought so many people together now matter how far and wide we may be.
    Looking forward to getting to know you through the medium of film!
    Morwenna xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Ce, just wanted to let you know that we watched 'Shutter Island' on the weekend and we loved it. Although it kept me awake for quite a while thinking of the twists and turns and of conspiracy theories!
    Thanks for your recommendation
    Morwenna xo

    ReplyDelete