Shutter Island

Martin Scorsese has often been called the greatest living director and with his vast output of classic films this title is well deserved. Scorsese’s films have always been great examples of perfect storytelling. Some people prefer lots of hidden subtext and a “deeper” meaning but Scorsese simply tells a story with perfect direction and cinematography, the fact that his actors give great performances as well certainly doesn’t hurt.



Shutter Island is Scorsese’s newest film starring his new protégé Leonardo Dicaprio. This film is being marketed as a Horror film and while it certainly can fit into that category it transcends Horror to become something else, a psychological thriller that tells a great story.

The premise is simple enough, two federal marshals (played by Dicaprio and Mark Ruffalo) visit Shutter Island, home to a mental institute for the criminally insane, to search for a violent patient who has mysteriously escaped. Of course, during their investigation the marshals soon discover that nothing is as it appears and various devious plots are afoot. Some people may think that this is just generic horror plot #2 and “oh, I’ve seen this before” but they may be right but sorely mistaken at the same time.

During their stay at Shutter Island Dicaprio’s ulterior motives are revealed and in his quest to solve the mystery of Shutter Island you can see his character fall into madness. Is he going crazy? Is it all a conspiracy? Who knows, but the back story and various hallucinations he has might make you think either is possible. As Dicaprio searches for the truth he climbs deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole and the supporting cast continues to up the ante and propel this story forward, deeper into the mystery.

Scorsese pay homage to all the truly great horror/thrillers of yore. Alfred Hitchcock is a name that comes to mind because the tension and transformations of the characters throughout the course of the movie were his trademarks. During the opening scene where Dicaprio and Ruffalo are traveling on a ferry to the island I was thoroughly amused at the way the scene was shot, the dress of the characters (the movie takes place in 1954), and even the classic Boston accents as it really reminded me of classic Film Noir. Hell, the only thing that could have made the first half of this movie better would be if it was shot in black and white. This is a classic 50s film presented to a modern age!

One thing that cannot go unnoticed is the film score. The music was so appropriate in setting the mood it really harkens the classic noir and Hitchcock feel. This movie is all about atmosphere, from the style to the music and the character portrayals; you are involved with this film. Sure I never felt truly emotionally attached to the characters but the movie sucked me in to where I was right there alongside them trying to uncover the mystery of Shutter Island. What is better than feeling for characters than being a part of the story yourself? That depends of the movie and with Shutter Island being a part of the story is much more fun than feeling for the characters.

The performances are spot on and unlike other directors who try this type of story and fail, the execution and timing were perfect! As the story unfolds you know something isn’t right, secrets are being kept and something sinister is afoot; you (the viewer) feel like Dicaprio’s character and he shows this emotion and transition well. This film continues with the suspense and mystery all the way up to its dizzying climax and even then it doesn’t fail to enthrall.

It never goes for cheap scares, there are no boogiemen or supernatural killers, or any of the other tropes that many people dislike Horror for; there is only suspense, tension, timing, and great storytelling. This is why this is more Noir than Horror and also why this is a great movie that will be remembered as another Scorsese classic.
9/10

Am I being biased because it's Scorsese or is this a really enjoyable film that connects with what I like to see in movies? Let me know be sounding off in the comments or by emailing us at feedback@everymancritics.com.