Shutter Island

I hated Shutter Island the novel, but I only disliked the the film. I recently included Scorsese as #1 in my “Best Living Directors” list and very astutely claimed that Shutter Island was a huge misstep for the director. I was convinced of it then and I’m convinced of it now.

I’m well aware it is not a great idea to compare an adapted film to its original work. But screw it, it can’t be avoided. I was given the book by my brother with a warning that the end was the worst ending ever. Not because it was poorly written, executed, or even that the book is bad. But instead, because the story held such promise and intrigue, but took a devastatlingly poor turn at the end. You might like it, I didn’t.

Same problem with the movie. The only difference is Dennis Lehan is a great storyteller, Scorsese is one of the best in American history. The difference might seem incidental, but it can make an awful story okay. Or an okay story good. This story is awful.

It follows two federal marshals, Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) as they enter Shutter Island, a mental institutionon for patients who are criminally insane. An inmate, or should I say patient, Rachel (Emily Mortimer) has mysteriously gone missing.

As the head of Shutter Island, Dr. John Cawley (Ben Kingsley) comments: “We don’t know how she got out of her room. It’s as if she evaporated, straight through the walls.” Fucking bad ass. The premise of this film might be one of the best in horror film history. That is not an exaggeration. But this is no horror film. It is more of a psychological thriller. It is currently #199 all time best films on IMDB. What a world…

But regardless, the two agents begin to dig deeper into the mysteries of the island. There are different wards on the island that are off limits. Who and what is inside them? Is Dr. Cawly hiding something? Was Rachel’s disappearance an inside job? What information is reliable given from someone so insane and detached from reality? The audience is literally on the edge of their seats, waiting to find out the answer to these questions.

The conclusion I won’t ruin here, but it will disappoint many, satisfy many, surprise some, and anger others. For film maniacs who have seen this all before it will be a rip-off. High Tension anyone? For some it will be new and refreshing. Whatever the case, be ready to be shocked.

The performances are dead-on. DiCaprio might even be considered a tour-DE force. Kingsley has charming subtlety, hinting at something, but never revealing he’s hiding information.

It would also be wrong not to mention the cinematography, which would certainly have received an Oscar nod had it opened in time for Oscar consideration. The shots are moody and every light and shadow seems to be deliberate. Smokey rooms are illuminated with beams from all directions, all for the purpose of highlighting the character’s mental state.

All these talents are put to waste on a bad story. What a shame.

February 2010

Collin says: C -
You’ll say: B -