not up to Scorsese's masterpieces but enjoyable

Rating: 7/10 (9 March 2010)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, "Shutter Island" has a very convincing atmosphere as well as a deep emotional scar tissue, feeling like a straight up Gothic horror picture. It's similar to the last two Scorsese films ("The Aviator," and "The Departed") Leonardo DiCaprio starred in. Leo is very tense, actually a walking bundle of nerves, and gets to play convincingly his character, a really difficult task. A few absurd scenes are some of the movie's best, also due to Scorsese using subtle special effects to disorient the viewer. There's also a twist allowing to catch the breath breath and the overall story feels real, in addition to making sense. The ending plays like a tragedy and shows an emotional truth of the sordid affair. On the whole a good movie, well directed, though not a masterpiece.