Shutter Island

After monumental critical success in almost every genre, ranging from The Last Temptation of Christ to Goodfellas, Martin Scorsese makes a decidedly odd career move by creating, of all things, a B-movie with a plot that seems to come straight out of 1950s pulp fiction. So although his decision to turn to the sort of film that launches respectable careers rather than continuing them may seem bizarre, this is Scorsese, and his directorial return to the screen for anything is always worth getting excited about.

Based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a US federal marshal travelling to uncover the truth about an escapee from a vast mental hospital for the criminally insane, which is located Alcatraz-style on the almost inhospitable Shutter Island. However, from the very beginning it appears things are not right and as things progress in the best style of 1950s pulp fiction B-movie, our protagonist begins to lose his sanity as he uncovers a vast scientific conspiracy. Perhaps fitting perfectly into older horror/noir sub-genres, the film manages to feature many generic plot elements, including the secluded island, insanity, medical experimentation and not forgetting crazed scientists, one of whom is even German. Yet this is a Scorsese picture, and so throughout you inevitably wonder when his true genius and originality will appear, something that only adds to the film's main problem. Even if you have only seen a few B-movies you'll realise this is merely a highly polished and very well-made addition to the genre that doesn't offer anything new. The plot becomes increasingly predictable, particularly when you realise the immensely disappointing twist ending that has been used in cinema since before the introduction of sound.

However, things are certainly not all bad, as although the film may lack the monologues and modern soundtracks so often associated with Scorsese’s work, his direction is excellent as ever, and the film is brilliantly shot. As well as this, Leonardo DiCaprio provides Scorsese once again with an excellent performance in his fourth collaboration with the director, alongside many other worthy performances. Most notably Ben Kingsley offers yet another brilliant supporting role as the shady head psychiatrist of the institution, and Jackie Earle Haley further typecasts himself in a small but highly memorable role as one of the more deranged and dangerous patients at the facility.

Shutter Island makes for two very enjoyable hours in the form of an intriguing thriller. However, its predictability, lack of depth and lack of originality make it feel like the work of a directorial rising star or just a quite good film rather than the work of an acclaimed master. In this sense, it's disappointing.

Add Comment

You must log in to submit a comment.