Shutter Island is the latest psychological mystery-thriller film to hit theaters nationwide in the United States. Based on Dennis Lehane’s novel Mystic River, Shutter Island casts Leonardo DiCaprio as the main protagonist, a U.S. Marshall by the name of Edward Daniels, an inspector sent to investigate the disappearance of an inmate at the Achecliffe Hospital on a mysterious island.


In for the Long Haul

Shutter Island is the fourth cooperation between Director Martin Scorsese and DiCaprio, who’ve worked on Gangs of New York (2002), The Aviator (2004), and The Departed (2006) in the past. The duo has had good fortune in producing results in the past, and Shutter Island fares well as a thriller. However, running at 138 minutes, Shutter Island suffers from an overly and unnecessarily long exposition, slow development, and a less-than-satisfying climax at the end of the film. While the film does contain plot twists, they are predictable and clichéd. I was able to predict a majority of the plot development from just the trailer alone.

Don’t believe me? Watch the trailer first, and then the movie. You will see what I mean.


Everyone can act, but...

DiCaprio’s latest feature also stars Ben Kingsley, Mark Ruffalo, and Michelle Williams. The crew’s acting abilities were entirely engrossing despite the lackluster plot development. DiCaprio, once again, proves that he is a master of emotion, portraying the heavyhearted, sullen, yet witty U.S. Marshall with ease. Even if you despise mystery-thrillers, DiCaprio is worth making the journey out to the theater to see on the big screen. The rest of stars pale in comparison to the highlighted DiCaprio, but all live up to their parts and work together to capture the mysterious atmosphere that is abundant on Shutter Island, a prison and asylum for the criminally insane. As DiCaprio works through the case, unraveling pieces of the puzzle, the situation becomes more puzzling than ever. Things do not seem to fit together for DiCaprio, nor for me, at times.

Shutter Island strives to be fast-paced, but gets caught up with long dialogues and seemingly pointless exchanges between characters.


Musical Direction

The musical score selection was well supervised by Robbie Robertson. The tracks fit well with the theme of the film, although a tad bit overdramatized. The faint alarms, the distant thuds, and the violent thunderstorms all contribute to catching the audience in the dilemma of constant fear and anticipation from suspense.


Final Thoughts

Distributed by Paramount Pictures, Shutter Island had an $80 million development budget, but delivered handsomely with a $41.1 million opening weekend debut and $143 million gross sales so far.

Shutter Island fares well as a myster-thriller, but falls a bit flat in the plot department. The acting is top-notch though and well worth every penny to see in theaters.


This is my Movies entry into the Around Epinions In 80 Days Write-Off.

Recommended: Yes

Movie Mood: Scary Movie
Viewing Method: Other
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Duration