Shutter Island

Audience will shudder as Shutter Island reveals its secrets
Shutter Island, R, ****, Leonardo “DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow. Paramount Pictures film. Director Martin Scorsese. Length 138 minutes.
As Henry Kissinger said, “Just because you are paranoid does not mean they are not after you.” This statement will remind the audience throughout the film of suspicious behavior. “Shutter Island” is a unique and incredible story.
A ferry is traveling to an island outside Boston Harbor. The year is 1954. Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DeCaprio) is on the ferry with his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo). These U.S. Marshals are going to Shutter Island to investigate a missing patient. Daniels is the superior officer, and Aule obeys Daniel’s orders without question.
The island is for mental patients. The most violent offenders are housed there. The patients are deranged and dangerous.
Psychology was one of my favorite classes in college. “Shutter Island” is a psychological thriller with lots of intensity and mystery.
The audience sees lots of flashbacks of violence. World War II, murders, paranoia, and vagueness bombard the screen with creepy music and frightening weather. The film is a dark yarn that will keep the viewer guessing at the outcome. Of course closure does not occur until the final scene.
Much of what happens is mind boggling. This keeps the audience on the edge of their seat wondering just what is going on with the story.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese have united again for a dramatic look into the lives of the criminally insane. DiCaprio appeared in “The Departed” with Scorsese behind the helm. They make a great team.
Even though some of the scenes in “Shutter Island” are a little too much and too long, it does bring lots of thought provoking material to a gothic theme. The movie has suspense from the beginning until the final credits. The atmosphere of the movie combines with the plot to give the viewer a case of the willies throughout the film.
With a storm brewing over the island, the disappearance of a patient, and the overall mood of each of the characters, paranoia engulfs the audience. Adding to the mayhem, Dr. Crawley (Ben Kingsley) gives a strong, dominant, and no nonsense performance as the prison administrator.
Another creepy individual is Dr. Naehring (Max Von Sydow). Much of what happens; especially when he meets Dr. Naehring, reminds Daniels of World War II events. Paranoia surrounds the audience.
Psychiatry has made huge steps since the early 50’s in dealing with the mental problems. However, Scorsese captures the sadness of mental illness with realism. Flashbacks take place throughout the film. The era slowly but surely summons the audience into its mystery.
I recommend this film for individuals looking for a psychological thriller. Just be aware that the theme is dark and sometimes horrific. However, the journey and the vagueness of the plot keep the audience hooked.
The film is based on the book Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane. Lehane along with Scorsese can give the audience lots of violence, mystery, and intrigue. “Shutter Island” has it all along with some very convincing characters.
It takes the audience on a dark journey, but it is an entertaining and thought provoking trip.