I am NOT crazy! Or am I?

Rating: 10/10 (20 February 2010)

Every positive review that has been written here is going to be reiterated with this one. This film is what a horror/suspense film is SUPPOSED to be! I always felt that you can have all the blood/guts/spooky moments you want in a film but without a valid script/director/cast it will mean nothing and only last temporarily. This is timeless. First off, let me say after seeing this movie last night I went out today to get the book and am now in the process of reading it. As a current film student I paid particular attention to Scorsese's film style (which is superb). Although, he does the classic establish shot --> zoom in --> shoulder over shoulder combo, his cinematography makes it completely acceptable and purposeful. When we still believe that DiCaprio is Teddy, the island appears grimy/dirty/uncomfortable, but when he is Andrew it is recaptured as beautiful/serene/simplistic. The full island/set shots are exquisite and beautifully (both during the ugly views and the gorgeous views) captured. Secondly, let's move to acting. Although, I have to admit I am NOT a Mark Ruffalo fan I felt he really lucked out with being trusted with this part, because it is (in my opinion) one of the most important. Also, Ben Kingsley is just an incredible actor and I love how you never quite know what to expect from him. Is he good or is he bad? i guess I avoided DiCaprio long enough. Uhmm, he is AMAZING. No, his Boston accent ISN'T the best, BUT that being said his facial expressions, mannerisms/gestures, and character choices were superb. Nobody could have done it any better. Finally, this story really has a lot to say for our generation despite it being placed in 1954/52 (which is the perfect time period in my opinion for this story). I personally believe that it tried to teach us that we have to make a choice like the last line says, between "dieing as a good man or living as a monster". This is why I love these movies, they make you THINK! I mean just look at the debate going on with the FULL EXPLANATION spoiler's review of the last line. In my opinion, no one person is right and that's the beauty of cinema that we can have our own opinions and respect the suggestions of others'. All in all a first class film and a must see on the big screen for all of the elements. GO SEE IT! :)