When I first saw trailers for Shutter Island, I was intrigued though not completely sure that I wanted to see it at that point.  As I've heard a bit more about the movie, I decided that I did want to see it.  

I'm only going to briefly discuss the plot of Shutter Island.  The things I mention about the plot are things that have been shared in the previews.  People who don't want to know more about the plot will probably want to skip the next paragraph.  

**Minor Plot Discussion**

In 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is traveling to Shutter Island, a remote island where a mental hospital is located.  The patients of the hospital are criminals and very dangerous.  One of the patients, Rachel Solando, somehow went missing.  Teddy, along with his new partner Chuck Aule, are there to investigate her disappearance.  A horrible storm moves in, trapping Teddy and Chuck on the island.

**End of Minor Plot Discussion**

Shutter Island is based on the book of the same name by Dennis Lehane.  I haven't read the book so I don't know first hand what, if anything, has been changed for the movie.  After seeing the movie, I have done a little research on the book and from what I read, it sounds like the movie stayed very close to the book.  

I wasn't sure what to expect from Shutter Island based on the first previews I saw.  That is probably why I wasn't sure about seeing it at first.  A few things made it seem like the movie might be more of a horror movie.  I do like some horror movies that are more suspenseful than gory.  Some of the previews are slightly misleading because they do make the movie seem more like a horror movie than it is.  I think the movie is more of a suspenseful thriller than a horror movie.  The movie is rated R and definitely not one for children to see.

Shortly after Shutter Island was released, a new commercial started airing on television about the movie being number one.  That particular commercial also mentioned something about the movie that I think is at least a minor spoiler.  That was annoying to me since it was less than a week after the movie opened.  I'm not saying what was said because I don't want to ruin anything for people still wanting to see the movie.  When I saw the movie, I ended up figuring out something very early in the movie.  I can't know for sure if I would have figured that out if I hadn't seen that commercial and heard what I did.  I do like trailers and previews in theory because they get me interested in new movies.  However, I hate how so many of them end up giving away too much.

I think there is a good mystery to Shutter Island that is very interesting.  Rachel's disappearance drives what is going on and is the reason for Teddy and Chuck to go to the island.  When the movie starts, Teddy and Chuck on are on the ferry to the island.  The pace does move a little slower while things are introduced and set up.  I wasn't bothered by the slower pace.  It does help to start building some tension.  As the movie progresses, more things start happening and that does make the plot a bit more complicated.  I think there is a decent amount of suspense to the movie.  I noticed a few things that I thought were clues, one or two of which are very early in the movie.  One or two of those things could have been handled more subtly.  I sort of understand why some of those things were included when they were, but I also feel like they make a few things very obvious.  There is some predictability to what happens, but that didn't bother me since the movie was done so well overall.  Basically the entire movie takes place on the island and it is a suitably creepy looking location.  The music sounds creepy which also adds to the creepy atmosphere.

Teddy receives the most attention throughout the movie.  He is leading the investigation and makes the decisions.  He is dedicated to his work and wants to figure out what is going on.  He is also dealing with a few personal issues.  Leonardo DiCaprio is wonderful in the part.  Chuck is Teddy's new partner.  This investigation is the first time the two have worked together and Chuck tends to follow Teddy's lead.  Mark Ruffalo also handles his part well.

Dr. Cawley is the psychiatrist in charge at the facility.  Based on a few things he says about his work, it does seem like he cares about his patients and wants to find the best way to help them.  Ben Kingsley is really good in the part.  Dr. Naehring is another psychiatrist who works at the hospital.  He only turns up a few times, so Max von Sydow doesn't have a lot to do.  Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson, Jackie Earle Harley, John Carroll Lynch and Ted Levine all have small parts.  

Main Cast

Leonardo DiCaprio - Teddy Daniels
Ben Kingsley - Dr. Cawley
Mark Ruffalo - Chuck Aule
Max von Sydow - Dr. Naehring

Martin Scorsese - Director

Shutter Island is a very well done, entertaining movie that deserves to be seen.  I do think a few things could have been handled a little bit better, but I still really enjoyed the movie.  Fans of DiCaprio and Scorsese should check it out.

I would have given this one four and a half stars if I had the option.  Since I don't, I decided to round up to five.

This review is part of CaptainD's Good Movies EpiGuide 3 Write Off.

*This review was orignally posted after I saw the movie in the theater. It is now available on DVD and Blu-ray.


Recommended: Yes