It's pretty needless to say that Martin Scorcese is one of the great directors of all time. His films have continuously brought high quality and class to the screen and Shutter Island is no different. Once again teaming with his current muse, Leonardo DiCaprio, Shutter Island tells the tale of two 1950's FBI agents sent to investigate a disappearance on a island that only houses an insane asylum. Nothing is kosher on the island, though, and soon DiCaprio is on a one-way trip into madness. While that may sound like standard fare or, more accurately, old time fare, Scorcese handles this material with the respect and smarts of the master film maker he is.
This is a fantastic film with a heavy atmosphere that chokes you out and makes you feel as though you are on the island with DiCaprio and costar Mark Ruffalo, discovering everything they are and making that descent with them. I really don't want to get further than that in terms of plot, but it's terrifying and interesting, and very well done. The cinematography is so intense and visceral. I actually felt cold watching this movie, it's that effective. The acting is a true throwback, too. Scorcese directs his troupe to be over-the-top and to channel 50's noir film. This can be a draw or drawback for an individual, but it worked very well for me. DiCaprio is really good (he usually is), but Ruffalo deserves major props for his side-kick role. He's just a hoot. On the whole there isn't much to complain about in that department honestly.
Scorcese put an interestingly different feather in his cap with Shutter Island and he did it with style. It's dark and makes you think, but doesn't overstay that welcome. Overall, this is a film that you should really catch if you haven't. And it's Scorcese so I'm sure that won't be a problem!
No comments:
Post a Comment