Filmmaking giant Martin Scorsese's psychological thriller is set in 1954 at Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane on Boston's Shutter Island.
Detectives Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) are investigating the mysterious disappearance of one of the patients - a murderess. Doctors refuse them access to records and the detectives start to believe illegal and sinister treatments are being undertaken. As a violent hurricane closes in on the isolated asylum and communication is cut off with the mainland, more criminals disappear, the clues multiply and Teddy begins to doubt everything - his memory, his partner and even his sanity.
This is the fourth Scorsese and DiCaprio collaboration (after Gangs of New York, The Aviator and The Departed).
Legendary director Martin Scorsese’s latest offering isn’t quite the masterpiece his army of fan boys and film buffs in general may have been expecting. The twist is a tad predictable, it’s a touch too long and the experimental nature of the narrative might see some write it off as weird.
Leonardo DiCaprio, however, continues to solidify his claim as one of Hollywood’s most talented working actors. He handles every shift in his character’s arc – pulpy gumshoe, caged animal, edge of madness – with skill and aplomb. Helping to no end is the fact that his supporting cast, particularly Ben Kingsley and Michelle Williams, are perfect in their roles.
The technical crew deliver in spades. Production design emphasises menace and claustrophobia with a string of impressive sets. These are expertly presented through cinematography that pays tribute to old-fashioned B-grade genre movies while maintaining a decidedly modern aura. A soundtrack that is perfect for a thriller of this ilk lays beneath the visuals, cranking up the tension when necessary.
Of course, there is also Scorsese, conducting like a maestro from the director’s chair. Haunting imagery, strong conveyance of story, bold editing choices – he can do it all. Honestly, if you don’t like Scorsese’s work, maybe movies just aren’t your thing.
By Andreas Heinemann, Flicks.co.nz
Sorry to say that this movie is overhyped. I went into it expecting it to be mind-blowing, based upon friend's opinions and critic's reviews, but it didn't live up to the hype for me. Don't get me wrong: I loved it, and I think it is a great movie. But for starters, you can see the ending coming from very, very early on in the movie, so the big reveal is kinda wasted...
wen i watchd dis movies i thoght it was about da islands like da tuvalu islands, but dis islands is like da ihc's. Dea is so many of da mentals, i thogt it was da special olympics so i bought some of da funraising rocky roads.
Leo showed great intensity and this was an emotional thriller well worth seeing. Bit thumbs up from us.
I thought this movie could of been much more. Esp for a movie for Leo, i thought it was confusion with a ending you could of predicted from the start.
Leonardo has really done some fantastic work, but this film fell short, undeveloped characters and such an obvious twist (who didn't see that one coming!!)I expected more from our Leo so I only give it 1 star.
The film's primary effect is on the senses. Everything is brought together into a disturbing foreshadow of dreadful secrets.
He movie certainly keeps you in its grip from the opening scene: It's a nerve-twisting, tension-jammed exercise in pure paranoia and possibly Scorsese's most commercial film yet.
Mr. Scorsese in effect forces you to study the threads on the rug he is preparing, with lugubrious deliberateness, to pull out from under you. As the final revelations approach, the stakes diminish precipitously, and the sense that the whole movie has been a strained and pointless contrivance starts to take hold.
Meticulous chiller.
DiCaprio, in his most haunting and emotionally complex performance yet, is the vessel Scorsese uses to lead us through the film’s labyrinth.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 18th Feb 2010.
Release date: February 18th 2010.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
