Very weird but ultimately fantastic

Rating: 9/10 (14 March 2010)

While I haven't been so impressed with some of Scorsese's other recent works, this one is a real creative triumph
I won't mention much about the story as it would be easy to spoil it. I also urge you to refrain from reading about it, but they capture the time period incredibly well and the genre is detective/horror/psycho-thriller
Lots of very artistic camera work and scenes here to enjoy - really liked the quick pan outs when they are getting oriented with the prison layout A/B/C sections. Also the dream sequences are brilliant, each one like a separate piece of art
Initially I was quite confused about where they were going with it, but then I was completely reeled in by the story. The film works like that, gradually pulling you further in
The score for the movie is amazing and I doubt the film would be nearly as good without it. Quiet percussive, almost ambient based and subtle at times, while at others very loud and dramatic like an old b/w movie. Loved it. For those interested - the sound in the movie was also very cool. Weather is a really important feature in the movie, and I loved the rain especially the indoor sound that they achieved for some of the scenes - a really minimal but very effective tapping sound. Not many people will notice it but it's hard to do, and very nice
To top it off a highly emotionally charged performance from Dicaprio, which is definitely where his strength lies - reminded me of his early work on Gilbert Grape for intensity. Ben Kingsley is amazing as usual, he achieves a character somewhat like a posh Don Logan! Sometimes darkly humorous, which is a nice break from the movies otherwise dark tones. All other major performances in the movie are top class. I myself didn't realise going in but Michelle Williams (Heath Ledgers former partner) is in the movie and delivers an amazing performance
I found the whole movie Lovecraft-like, and would love to see Scorsese try his hand at something along those lines
Highly enjoyable