No Hitchcock horror but a brilliant chiller thriller from Scorcese!

Rating: 8/10 (28 March 2010)

I watched this in the cinema on a Friday night and expected a horror film because it was hyped as a horror film. Make no mistake, this is a chilling psychological thriller and I can quite see why Scorcese likes to work with Leonardo (from 'The Departed') and with Robert Richardson from the cinematography for 'Inglorious Basterds'.
As others have commented, Scorcese has borrowed (but not stolen) from Hitchcock suspense movies and the scary flashbacks remind us of the recent 'Inglorious Basterds' and at times 'Cape Fear'.
There is nothing to laugh or cry about in this movie and there are no really gory scenes, though some scenes (as in Pans Labrynth) I question whether I can expose my 11 year old Son to see.
This is a challenging and intelligent movie although for the first 40 minutes or so, I do wonder if I am watching a comedy as Leonardo as (Teddy) spars with Ben Kingsley (as Dr Cawley) in the 'why am I really here?' stakes.
The film also reminded me 'a touch' of Michael Douglas in'The Game' where you are never sure what is reality and fantasy. As a movie goer, we have the right to expect the unexpected and we got it for sure in this movie.
I am not a Scorcese fan and as much as I like the movie overall, I understand why it is not suitable for Oscar nomination.
I like the ending of the movie personally and I have never read the book. Hands up who has read every book for every movie out at the moment? The final scene between Leonardo (as Teddy) and his Partner Chuck linked with the opening scene on the boat perhaps tells the story we want to know while puzzling throughout on everything which happens in between.
Yes definitely see this movie but no need to take the tissues for this one or hide behind any bedsheets if watching on DVD. Absorbing, interesting and one to reflect upon afterwards.