Shutter Island - 2010

Movie #143
4 stars

World War II soldier-turned-U.S. marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) investigates the disappearance of a patient from a hospital for the criminally insane, but his efforts are compromised by his own troubling visions and by Dr. Cawley (Ben Kingsley).

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Patricia Clarkson, Max von Sydow, Emily Mortimer, Jackie Earle Haley, Elias Koteas, John Carroll Lynch

Director: Martin Scorsese

Tagline: Someone is missing. (hmmmm...not that enthralling)



Why do people hate this movie? Yes, it could have been better but people need to realize that high expectations almost always leads to disappointment. So I am going to start with my overall recommendation: Just watch it...its entertaining. The film may have flaws but it is still worth your time.

Since I don't really have any distinct likes about the film, I guess I'll go into the dislikes:

1. The music- it reminded me too much of King Kong as Leonardo DiCarprio was approaching the Island. Does the audience really need to hear creepy/unsettling music to associate the island with suspense. I think the music was a cop out.
2. The flashbacks, even though they were interesting at first, took something away from the real story. It's not that it was confusing or anything but the flow of the movie seemed a little off...and slow at times.
   
3. Is Leo capable of making any face other than that slightly confused/slightly scared expression. Was he trying to make this face the whole time...or is it lack of range?
4. There just wasn't enough crazy people in it. I love movies that take place in mental hospitals...Girl Interrupted...come on now...great movie.
5. Overall, I think shutter Island's biggest problem was just that it tried to hard. However, the performances of Mark Ruffalo and Ben Kingsley were terrific. I couldn't picture better actors for the roles.

Last line: Is better to live as a monster or die as a good man?