Shutter Island

Directed (and produced) by Martin Scorsese, Paramount Pictures, 2010. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Michelle Williams, and Ben Kingsley.

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller.

Question: Who is one of our best actors today? Leo. Who is one of our best directors? Mr. Scorsese. Am I right? So, why did I keep hearing this movie wasn't all that good? I don't know but I finally watched "Shutter Island" because that's what I do and I liked it.

First, let me tell you why I am showing the trailer here: You don't have to watch it but since I refer to previews during every review, I thought it would be appropriate to give you a chance to view it once you finish reading it.  It's completely up to you.

Okay, back to the review: I kept hearing this buzz about "Shutter Island" and it's ending and a whole lot of complaints. So I avoided it. But now that I have this blog, I am forcing myself to not listen to and be persuaded by the talk about movies.

When the movie began I started to worry that the buzz was true and got a little irritated. The acting seemed forced - especially from Mr. DiCaprio but I kept on. Once I got more into it I realized what the filmmakers were trying to do I had that "ah-ha" moment. Then when it got to the very end - I thought "oh, very cool and very smart!"

Thrillers are not easy - trust me - I am trying to write one (and I am stuck). Plus, audience members are more savvy today so trying to "trick" or surprise them with the story is almost an insurmountable task. But I think they pulled it off here. Now since this is a thriller and if you haven't seen it yet, I won't divulge any information about the story. I will say Leonardo DiCaprio does a fantastic job, as usual, and what can I say about Ben Kingsley? I just adore him. He can do no wrong in my eyes. Also, Mark Ruffalo, who didn't have a huge part, was instrumental in helping pull off the surprise and I must give him credit.

So, if you heard the buzz I did - ignore it and watch "Shutter Island" and make your own opinion.

My favorite thing: How I went from not liking it to enjoying the story while watching it.

My least favorite thing: The story line about the family. It is sad.

Possibility of a sequel? Nope -- that is why I love thrillers! Not everything needs to have a sequel.

Did the previews show too much? Well, a lot of the emotional close-up shots of Leonardo were shown over and over again, but I can stand a silent close-up over dialogue any day in previews. But the previews were shown a little too much when they were promoting the movie, in my opinion.

Rating: R
Length: 138 minutes

Review: 6 out of 10


Soundtrack: 

"Shutter Island" is based on the novel by Dennis Lehane, who also wrote: "Mystic River" and "Gone Baby Gone" - all great movies. WOW!!



COMING SOON: The Lovely Bones