For whatever reason they promised an October release date and ended up pushing it back to this month. Naturally this made me want to see it even more.
Sometimes you wait to see a movie, get all excited, and then become sorely disappointed when the film turns out to be a pile of shit. - This has been the case the last 5 times I've went to the theater. I'm very happy to report that SHUTTER ISLAND did no such thing and in fact exceeded my expectations.
Scorsese is one of my favorite directors. His films carry such a range and yet still hold his undeniable hallmark. For SHUTTER ISLAND Scorsese seemed to channel Alfred Hitchcock for a beautiful film noir setting. Atmosphere, lighting, and editing where all pitch perfect to the time line that was being depicted.
In fact all these efforts where almost too effective because the film stays with you long after the credits roll by.
Leonardo DiCaprio is an amazing actor, who seldom gets the credit he deserves. Somehow people still think of him as a teen heartthrob - despite that fact he was doing films like WHAT'S EATING GILBERT GRAPE and THE BASKETBALL DAIRIES in his early 20's.
Scorsese brings out the absolute best in DiCaprio and this film really showcases their working relationship. DiCaprio often reminds me of a young Jack Nicholson and SHUTTER ISLAND completely solidified that assessment. DiCaprio's performance is truly heartbreaking in the film.
Mark Ruffalo is someone I always want to see more of. He can be in some pretty lame movies but when he gets a shot at real film ... he never ceases to amaze.
Ted Levine and Jackie Earle Haley also had intriguing roles and where even a little hard to point out at first.
Am I not telling enough about the story? Good. SHUTTER ISLAND is best if you don't know that much going in.
It's haunting and will linger in your mind ... and you'll probably want to see it more than once.
That's all you need to know.
Xo
