The Vidiot Reviews...

Rating: 7/10 (10 June 2010)

Shutter Island
Of course building a hospital for the criminally insane on an island is a great way to prevent mentally unstable inmates from escaping; however, it does little to dissuade those patients who believe that they are Jesus Christ, a pontoon boat or a mallard duck.
Fortunately, the escapee in this psychological noir thriller doesn't consider herself a waterfowl, a watercraft or a water-walker.
Sent to the Shutter Island mental facility to help locate an escaped female prisoner, Rachel (Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson), who's believed to be hiding in the island's cave system, US marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) soon suspects a deeper issue involving the administrative staff (Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow) and their unethical treatment of inmates. Later, as the investigation intensifies, he begins to question his own sanity.
Directed by Martin Scorsese, Shutter Island is a morose mystery that delves into the dark recesses of the human psyche. And while the intricate plot can be a tad challenging, and some characters unnecessary, the atmosphere and direction are commendable.
As for the best way to capture a crazy person on the loose: stage an open casting call for a new reality show called "So You Think You're Being Followed?". (Green Light)