Monday Movie Review #6 - Shutter Island

Monday, March 1, 2010

I was an idiot this weekend. Once again, I fell prey to my love of scary movies, though I don't know why I love them because they terrify me and leave me unable to sleep for months. That said, I decided to cave in and see Shutter Island.



It's 1954, and up-and-coming U.S. marshal Teddy Daniels is assigned to investigate the disappearance of a patient from Boston's Shutter Island Ashecliffe Hospital. He's been pushing for an assignment on the island for personal reasons, but before long he wonders whether he hasn't been brought there as part of a twisted plot by hospital doctors whose radical treatments range from unethical to illegal to downright sinister. Teddy's shrewd investigating skills soon provide a promising lead, but the hospital refuses him access to records he suspects would break the case wide open. As a hurricane cuts off communication with the mainland, more dangerous criminals "escape" in the confusion, and the puzzling, improbable clues multiply, Teddy begins to doubt everything - his memory, his partner, even his own sanity.
Taken from imdb.


Shutter Island follows the story of Teddy, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and his new partner partner, Chuck, played by Mark Ruffalo. The two marshals have arrived on Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of an extremely dangerous female criminal, Rachel Solando who disappeared inexplicably from her cell. The main problem is the fact that Rachel is psycho - literally psycho - she killed her three children and arranged them around the dinner table for her husband to find. However, the longer Teddy and Chuck stay on the island, the weirder things get. Teddy starts having visions of his dead wife, played by Michelle Williams, and Dr. Cawley, played by the amazing Ben Kingsley. As Teddy begins to unravel, he realizes Shutter Island might just be a trap set by Dr. Cawley, and he's determined to bring it down at any cost.

Confused? Well, so was I. This film was directed by Martin Scorcese of Gangs of New York fame, and is different from anything I've ever seen done by him before. It's also based on the novel by Dennis Lehane. The film is an incredibly terrifying whirlwind of action and adventure, but it's very psychological. Normally I enjoy such films, but you have to pay attention the whole time to make sure you're not missing anything.

This movie is very deep, and extremely multi-faceted, so if you're looking for something easy and carefree, this film is not for you. It's an emotional and psychological roller-coaster drama that messes with your head and doesn't let you trust what you're seeing. Personally, I think the actors did a brilliant job with such a complex script, and while the movie terrified the shit crap heck out of me, I would see it again...if I wasn't a wimp...which I am...so I won't.

Either way, I give this film a 4 out of 5, and if you're looking for a thrilling and suspenseful ride...this one is for you! Below is the trailer for those who've not yet seen it. (I'd leave the lights on.)



P.S. Can I just say how bloody excited I am for Alice in Wonderland this Friday?!?!? I already got my midnight tickets, and I'm sure you'll see me mention it more than once in the next week ;)

20 comments:

  1. EEEK! I am SO excited to this film! I just got the book from the library though and want to read it first. I'm so ridiculous about reading the book first lol.

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  2. I really want to see Shutter Island. It looks awesome and I'm glad it's actually creepy.
    I also can't wait for Alice in Wonderland I've already bought the tickets. I don't think I've ever been this excited for a movie...

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  3. This looks toooo scary. Alice looks SO awesome :)

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  4. Scary but great! :) Maybe a good movie for on dvd!

    And Alice in Wonderland, I cant wait of your review for that movie. It looks AWESOME!

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  5. I'm planning on going to see this one this week! It really sounds like JUST the kind of movie I'm in the mood for!

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  6. Ooh this sounds so good! I probably should have seen this instead of Valentine's Day. Btw I'm really loving these movie reviews!

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  7. LOVED this movie! Now I have to read the book. :D

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  8. I'm a whimp when it comes to scary movies. I do okay with scary books, though. Maybe I should just read the book. Do you think the author will write a YA version? Nah?

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  9. Liked the book; loved the movie! I did not think it was scary.

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  10. Wow can't wait to see this movie but I'm waiting on the dvd however Alice and wonderland will be seen in theaters !!

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  11. Awesome review! I really enjoyed SI as well. I did not expect the ending, that's for sure....Ooh, and I'm super excited for Alice In Wonderland!

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  12. We'll probably hit Alice and Wonderland next week. Even though I have been calling it "the movie that has Lewis Carroll rolling over in his grave," I am looking forward to it. :-) Shutter Island looks intriguing -- I will keep that in mind.

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  13. I was supposed to see Shutter Island this past weekend, and I can't see it THIS weekend because Alice in Wonderland is coming out!!!

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  14. Thanks for the comment Melissa and the follow :) I saw this movie last saturday and I loved it to! Although I was a little confused..ok more than a little, but the end was a nice twist and I love me some Leo!!!
    Great review!!
    p.s, I'm following you too now!

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  15. This movie looks really freaky but I might still have to check it out.

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  16. Ooh it's terrifying?! That sounds PERFECT! I would LOVE to watch this! Suspense is the best! I love it when a movie gets my heart beating fast. This sounds just right. And I'm quite excited now :D I've seen the trailer(s) for this movie every time I watch a movie in the theater and every time, it looked SO GOOD. So I'll watch it soon :)

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  17. Definitely scary.. I have heard good things about the book too. I might watch it someday :) but in broad daylight LOL

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  18. i dont know about the book (yes i am) but i like leonardo!and mark ruffalo to.the review sound good too *wink2*

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  19. I LOVED Shutter Island, and am going to see Alice on Saturday. =D

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  20. Oh, Shutter Island is amazing! I actually got headache in the cinema. You're right, you have to pay undivided attention all the time, but even so, I missed a few things. The scene when Michelle Williams dissolves into ashes in Leo's arms is absolutely heartbreaking !

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