The last time I remember watching a Martin Scorsese directed pure suspense thriller was some years ago with the remake of “Cape Fear”. This time around, the acclaimed director together with screenwriter Laeta Kalogridis adapts the novel “Shutter Island” for the big screen. I haven’t read the book but I can safely say (according to my research) that fans of the book will be glad to know that the book’s basic outline is intact with only one scene added to the film’s screenplay and has the main points of Dennis Lehane. The film’s release had been delayed mostly in part by the economic downturn in 2009.
1954 in the Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane, a U.S. Marshal named Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) comes in from the mainland to assist in locating an escaped mental patient named Rachel. The two are welcomed by an enigmatic psychiatrist named Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley) and prodded by German doctor Nearing (Max Von Sydow) as they find themselves in a very compromising situation. There is something strange going on in Shutter Island; and Teddy is adamant in uncovering its mystery. Like the island itself, Teddy has some secrets of his own; as the arsonist who had killed his wife is supposed to be on the island but curiously there is no record of him. Teddy believes that the island is not just an asylum for the criminally insane but may indeed be the site for sinister experiments much like those performed on the Jews by Hitler’s SS.
Martin Scorsese is a great director; of this there can be no doubt. I most especially like his period movies because of the way he just brings his audience back into a certain time in the past. But honestly, as good as he is, the man isn’t perfect. While the film “Shutter Island” may not be one of his best, it is still better than most of the convoluted messes that graces the movie theaters these days. The film may be a little uneven and truth be told some of its plot mechanics and expositions are a little clumsy but Scorsese does manage to generate suspense in a dramatic fashion. It is fairly obvious the film’s structure is channeling the movies directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Most of the film revolves around the investigation of Rachel’s disappearance and later Teddy’s theories of some unknown government experiments. The film is quite interesting and despite its predictability, I found the film entertaining enough in its entirety mostly because of the performances of its cast and the way the movie is structured.
Admittedly, some of the film’s expositions are a little messy. I rather thought that some parts of the film’s dialogue needed to be cleaned up a bit. The exchanges between Chuck and Teddy has the right formula, right mood but for some reason, I thought they were a little flat. The film plays almost like a ghost story (granted we are talking about the ghosts of the past) haunting the thoughts of our characters. There is quite a bit of dream sequences and flashbacks as we get to know Teddy’s past. His wife (enticing Michelle Williams) visits him quite a bit through visions and dreams, we also get to see his past as a soldier fighting in World War II, which explains exactly why he is reluctant to kill.
Scorsese utilizes the use of some cinematic touches that can either be seen as mere eye candy or ghastly images of the seductive nightmares. The film is just exuding with atmosphere further enhanced by the driving hurricane that batters the island. I thought this was a fine exercise of symbolism as the island itself may somehow represent the consciousness of the awakened human psyche and the storm represents the turmoil brought about by life. Both the island and the human psyche is at the mercy of the disorder brought forth by life and nature. The score of the film is also to be noted for its ability to enhance the film’s mood; it exuded that 'classic' feeling that made the film's period much more felt. The cinematography of the film is also top-notched as the viewer is brought into this world in the middle of a large body of water, rocks and cliff sides. Yes, the film is quite enthralling in a visual sense, which does work in some ways and at times it doesn’t. My main concern was that the flashbacks does sometimes play havoc in the film’s ability to generate suspense.
But thankfully, DiCaprio is a good enough actor to sell us the film’s screenplay and gives the viewer a feeling of thrills and occasional chills. I loved the manner with which the actor made his character appear convincing in his beliefs and just goes about his investigation with passion. This is DiCaprio’s show, and while I am not a huge fan of his, I still have to admit that the man can act. DiCaprio does take control of the film, as he commanded each scene with a strong fervent performance. I also liked the way Kingsley played his character that just exuded that mysterious, eerie feel that I was made to wonder if he was indeed the villain or not. Kingsley had an abysmal outing in “Bloodrayne” and this film just redeems his resume. Max Von Sydow is creepy and I thought he was meant to project this unsettling image seeing as how he was a former SS commander.
So does Scorsese succeed in adapting the novel? Well, as I’ve said, I haven’t read the novel but I do have to admit that despite its flaws, “Shutter Island” was compelling enough to hold my attention. There were some questionable scenes in the film and the opening half was a little disjointed at times but it did manage to keep me interested for the most part. The film’s climax is powerful enough since it does have the groundwork in the rest of the screenplay. Sure it was a little predictable, but that just meant that the clues did work (maybe too well). Scorsese may not have hit a ‘homerun’ with “Shutter Island”; but it sure is a lot better than the garbage I’ve seen from Hollywood recently. The film does work, and while a little uneven, it makes for a movie worth watching.
Recommended! [3 ½ + Out of 5 Stars]
HYPE LEVEL: With DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese teaming up in an adaptation of a popular novel, expectations would be HIGH. While not a bad film, it fails to fulfill all the hype it had received.
