Is he or Is He Not? Me Thinks He's Not

Rating: Null/10 (25 March 2010)

While Scorsese has made a few psychological thrillers, 'Shutter Island' is somewhat different from those in that this one is rather atmospheric, claustrophobic and chilling. The sets look meticulously crafted, particularly the interiors. The visuals are quite good. However, Scorsese seems to have gotten sloppy with the special effects, particularly the green screen filter. Despite this flaw, the tension is built quite effectively and the cool atmosphere works. The cinematography is a little too erratic at times. The story is engaging and there are plenty of twists but certain parts remain contrived and rushed. Sometimes the sequences feel rather patchy than fluid. This does work in parts like where Teddy bounces back and forth between his thoughts, his fantasy and his reality. However at times, a fluid approach may have been more effective. I enjoyed the references to movies of greats like Hitchcock and Kubrick. The top notch soundtrack is used brilliantly. Scorsese has assembled a fine cast of fine actors like Ben Kingsley, Max Von Sydow, Mark Ruffalo and Jackie Earle Hayley. Leonardo Dicaprio is quite adequate in the lead role. The women, Michelle Williams, Patricia Clarkson and Emily Mortimer, do not get much scope to perform but they do shine in their roles, especially Clarkson and Mortimer. Clearly, 'Shutter Island' isn't among the best of Scorsese's works but it is an interesting film that raises a few questions.