Wednesday, April 14, 2010

SHUTTER ISLAND

Leonardo di Caprio, Ben Kingsley, Mark Ruffalo, Michelle Williams,
Max von Sydow, Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson, Ted Levine


"Someone is Missing."


Cinema 4, SM Megamall



From Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese and based on the best-selling thriller by Dennis Lehane, comes "Shutter Island,". A suspenseful thriller that unfolds entirely on an island off Boston that houses Ashecliffe hospital, a facility for the criminally insane.

It is set in 1954 as U.S. Marshall Teddy Daniels (Leonardo di Caprio) comes to the island to investigate the disappearance of a prisoner/patient. But things are not as easy as black and white on this mysterious island. The inmates/patients are strictly controlled by a team of doctors who aren't totally forthcoming about what really goes on in the island.

The film is actually very well done. Some loud and creepy music highlighted the dramatic parts of the story. It boosts of great acting from its entire cast which include Ben Kingsley, Max Von Sydow, Mark Ruffalo among others. Naturally, you have Leo di Caprio as Teddy Daniels in the lead role. His portrayal of a complex and conflicted character is very believable. I like how he has matured from playing romantic leads to essaying highly flawed personas.

Just as the main theme of this haunting mystery is a psychological report on the minds of really dangerous patients, the film is a complex jigsaw puzzle piece that will linger on long after you have left the cinema. A highly analytical mind comes in handy as towards the ending there is a surprising twist that might throw you off balance. So be warned.

I figure the main premise of the film rests on this statement uttered by Teddy Daniels towards the ending:
"Which would be worse - to live as a monster or to die as a good man?"

Suffice to say, I'm not one who likes to include spoilers in my reviews so I suggest you watch this intriguing film, twice. Yes two times. First to simply grasp the tale then return another day with a deeper comprehension of the events to search for clues to the mystery that unfolded on Shutter Island. Believe me, it's worth it!

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