Not A Very Surprising Story...But Still a Good Thriller

Rating: 8/10 (22 February 2010)

We all know that Martin Scorsese is a very talented director and it will always show in his films. What makes this film special compared to his earlier work is that he connects with audience psychologically (arguably) better than any of them. Nowadays, we can always tell what going to happen in horror movies easily based on the typical movie clichés like the cheesy music and the helpless character in a scary background where the kill can be predicted. Scorsese takes it up a notch and creates the right kind of chill we should feel in such situations.
The music starts and stops at the right moments that make us feel truly disturbed. In some of the most dramatic and suspenseful moments, there's no music at all, all we are left with is silence in the dark insane asylum... anxiously waiting for something to happen.
The images were also beautifully shot and the performances of all of the talent were outstanding. The only part I feel the where the film suffers is that the story's conclusion was predictable. As you are watching the film, you will realize that there is only one of two ways the movie will end: either Leonardo's character is going to be convinced he's insane by the evil doctors when he's really not or he is really an insane patient and the doctors are right. You will be even less surprised if you have already seen the Christopher Nolan film "Memento" because the plot basically has the same outline. However, Shutter Island is not a total rip-off of Memento, despite its similarity. It's still a well-crafted psychological thriller telling a story that is not very commonly heard.