Grade: A
Bottom line: Martin Scorsese doesn’t miss a beat in his adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s dark mystery novel. Complemented by high caliber acting and artful cinematography, Shutter Island is definitely the must-see movie of this year – or for what’s passed of 2010.
For those who haven’t read the book, here’s a friendly warning before watching the movie: be prepared. Two hours and 18 minutes spent on the edge of my seat – and I knew what was coming. You’ll come out only able to think in three-letter words. WOW, OMG, WTF. Martin Scorsese, hats off to you. Who else could turn a mind-gripping thriller into an electrifyingly chilling movie of equal caliber?
Set in 1954, Shutter Island tells the story of U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio), who is investigating the disappearance of an escaped murderess from Ashecliffe Hospital, an institution for the criminally insane. During his time on Shutter Island, Teddy uncovers a lead hinting at a greater conspiracy but in his attempt to discover the truth, he begins to doubt everything. Told in a juxtaposition of past and present through Teddy’s nightmares, the movie culminates in a genius way, simultaneously answering and questioning everything.
Dennis Lehane’s novel and Scorsese’s movie are definitely on par with each other, with respect to plot progression, character development and audience reaction. Granted, in the movie adaptation, many of the nightmare sequences are trimmed down; the elaborate Code of Four is also simplified. But speaking as both a reader and a watcher, I was immensely satisfied with the movie’s outcome – it constructed a truly complicated emotional roller coaster almost identical to the one I had ridden after reading Lehane’s novel. And essentially, the movie recreates the feelings evoked by the book, dealing less with its concrete events. Screenwriter Laeta Kalogridis did a superb job of translating Lehane’s original vision onto the big screen, truly bringing Shutter Island to life in an immensely visceral manner. The dark content the movie wrestles with is partially offset with intermittent humor. When Teddy asks a nurse if anything out of the ordinary happened in a group therapy session, the nurse dryly responds that in a mental institution, the definition of “normal” is rather skewed.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance solidifies his standing as one of Hollywood’s best actors. Conveying Teddy’s emotions in such a hauntingly real manner, DiCaprio again exemplifies his abilities to interpret a character and channel that across the screen. His sharp blue eyes are always on alert; in fact, they are probably the most effective signal to the audience of the feelings inherent in the story. A common criticism of an adaptation is the disjunction between a book’s character and the movie’s – you can’t simply convey their inner thoughts and feelings like words on a page. But DiCaprio embodies Teddy Daniels perfectly from his suave, defensive mannerisms to his inner grappling with insanity. You will truly feel for his character which is a true testament to DiCaprio’s acting ability. The camera really does love him – attempted Boston accent and all.
There is a notable disparity between his performance and that of Mark Ruffalo as Chuck Aule. Despite Ruffalo’s charismatic demeanor, his acting comes across rather flat. There is a lack of sincerity in his deliverance that DiCaprio expresses perfectly. Ben Kingsley as Dr. Cawley also gives a convincing portrayal as the head of Ashecliffe. His eerie smiles and knowing eyes greatly overlap with Lehane’s character.
Scorsese’s craft as a director comes through the film’s cinematography. Every shadowed face and blinding light serves a purpose, whether it’s in regard to a character or the plot as a whole. The juxtaposition of light and dark in the movie underscores its central theme: a confrontation of humanity, insanity and inhumanity. Teddy’s nightmare sequences were also brilliantly executed, tying past with the present almost teasingly and hinting to the audience at the film’s plot-twisting climax without giving too much away.
Originally slated for release in fall 2009, a great amount of hype has accumulated surrounding Shutter Island: novel precedent, A-list actors and a masterful director. The movie’s rising action creates unimaginable suspense and curiosity, so much so that the 138 minutes barely feels like an hour. The build-up of excitement and anticipation parallels the continued delay of the film’s release, but now that it’s finally here, you won’t be disappointed. Be prepared to have your socks rocked off and mentally prepare for the complex emotional roller coaster the movie is guaranteed to put you on. It’s worth every minute.