A Potentially Great Mystery Spoilt by a Predictable Second Half

Rating: 6/10 (16 March 2012)

Opening with some rather amateur special effects to create a ferry trip was an unusually, off-putting experience, especially from the likes of Scorsese. But as 'Shutter Island' progressed, I was soon immersed into the mystery of the missing suspect.
Leonardo Dicaprio played an engrossing detective with an unbridled drive and determination that often clouded his judgement, but with the reluctance of Mark Ruffalo was kept sensible.
The first half never dragged as it introduced new and interesting characters that added to the curiosity of the island which was also helped with typically Gothic set design.
Unfortunately the second half became slow and confusing with an unambitious push towards the disappointing and predictable ending.
I would have preferred to watch the first half of the film, stopped it and left the ending as a mystery for my imagination.