In 2003, author Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone) published a novel titled, “Shutter Island.” The Premise centers on a U.S. marshal named, Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule, who are sent to an asylum on an island to investigate the disappearance of an escaped patient. Seven Years Later, Martin “Marty” Scorsese adapted the book with Leonardo “Leo” DiCaprio (my all-time favorite actor) carrying the film.
Released in 2010, (same year Boardwalk Empire aired on HBO) Shutter Island received praise from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to good reviews, the film made enough revenue at the box office. Anyway, Leo & Marty’s next film, “Killers of the Flower Moon” will be released in theaters on October 20, 2023. Before it comes out, I wanna share my thoughts on Shutter Island. By the way, I’m reviewing several Horror movies throughout October. Shutter Island counts as one.
This review contains no crucial SPOILERS. I’m giving a lot of you movie goers a chance to see this gem.
Stable & Unstable Aspects
Stable: Leonardo “Leo” DiCaprio did an excellent job for his performance.
Other Cast Members such as Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max Von Sydow, Emily Mortimer, Jackie Earle Haley, Patricia Clarkson, Ted Levine & Michelle Williams all did a solid job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact 1: Ben & Michelle also appeared in “Species.” Don’t believe me? Look it up.
Fun Fact 2: Robert Downey Jr. & Josh Brolin were considered for the role of Chuck. They dropped out, due to scheduling conflicts. Mark won the role. He later worked with RDJ & Josh in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or MCU for short. On second thought, Mark worked with RDJ in “Zodiac.”
Martin “Marty” Scorsese did a decent job directing. He mentioned he regrets making it. I don’t think it’s terrible or as Cleveland Brown (from Family Guy) pronounces it, “Turrible.” Shutter Island’s not on the same level of garbage like M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Last Airbender.”
Laeta Kalogridis (Alita: Battle Angel) wrote the script. She made sure several elements from the book remain intact.
Dennis Lehane stated the book’s described as a cross between the Brontë Sisters (Jane Eyre) & “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”
The film takes place in 1954. The year “Godzilla” made his cinematic debut.
Costume Designs and Set Pieces reflect the aforementioned year.
Pacing didn’t feel slow for a two-hour-and-a-half hour film. I was hooked since the beginning.
Cinematography didn’t succumb to technical problems throughout.
Scare Factor gave me the heebie jeebies. Don’t expect this to be a blood and guts type of film. This one heavily focuses on psychological aspects. I prefer psychological Horror over Jump Scares. Makes it feel like you’re entering a creepy atmosphere.
We learn about Teddy’s tragic backstory. He used to serve in World War II and was a devoted family man. Leo has a habit for playing a character with a troubled backstory. Y’all remember “Inception?”
A Plot Twist changes everything. I cannot tell you. You’re gonna have to see for yourself.
At the 58:25 mark, there’s a young woman who looks like Mara Wilson. You know the girl from “Matilda?” Am I going crazy or what? When I was a little kid, I used to watch Matilda all the time.
Primary Themes are Guilt, Delusion, Mental Illness, Loss & Psychology. Each one’s handled carefully.
After watching for the first time, you can rewatch for subtle clues.
Unstable: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Marty and his crew an Extra Point for making a flawless neo-noir psychological Horror Thriller.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Shutter Island’s one of my favorite films of 2010. If you’re into neo-noir or psychological Horror, it’s a must-see film worth your spare time.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 