Have We Already Seen The Best Picture of 2010?

Rating: 9/10 (24 February 2010)

"Shutter Island" is an excellent film! From the opening scene, it had me interested. With each scene that unfolded on the screen, that interest does not let up. Something new comes up to confound, to confuse and to obfuscate. The film follows US Marshall Edward Daniels as he investigates the disappearance of one prisoner/patient in the island prison complex for the criminally-insane called Shutter Island. I cannot really say anything more without spoiling it for you. This film needs to be experienced first-hand!
This is classic film-making by Director Martin Scorsese. His visuals are just riveting and disturbing. His approach to story-telling is impeccable. Your brain keeps on working while you watch it. I want to watch it again to get all those small details I may have missed, and I know there are many. I think I may have already watched the Best Picture of 2010, and it is only February!
Leonardo di Caprio, what can I say? He is such an intense actor. Since his recent series of serious films, from "The Departed", then "Blood Diamond", then "Revolutionary Road", now this, he just keeps on improving his craft. I was sold about how he tackled this most challenging role of Edward Daniels. I think he is on track to finally winning his Academy Award for Best Actor.
The supporting cast composed of Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley and the venerable Max von Sydow was very effective. Michelle Williams was haunting and creepy. I cannot even say what their roles are without risking to spoil things. It is that good that way. The film is very original. It is mentally-stimulating. Just the way I like my films.