Have you ever questioned the nature of reality? Wondered if what your brain perceives as stimuli is real, or simply a narrative fabricated by the consciousness of the human mind? These intriguing questions are at the heart of 'Shutter Island,' a film directed by Martin Scorsese, which I chose to explore after a demanding week filled with university assignments and open book tests. In this review, I'll delve into the insights and gradually unfold the larger narrative of this bizarre, mind-bending movie. Join me as we dive into the complexities and enigmas of Scorsese's 'Shutter Island.'
The Law of 4
The narrative of 'Shutter Island' is set in 1954 America, and centers around Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshal who, alongside his partner Chuck Aule, is dispatched to Aschecliffe Hospital—a mental asylum for criminals located on Shutter Island—to investigate the mysterious escape of a patient. As Teddy and Chuck delve deeper into their investigation, they begin to uncover the dark truths about the asylum and Shutter Island itself. The plot thickens as their search leads them into a labyrinth of reality and deception, challenging their perceptions of what is true and what is false. This psychological tension is skillfully heightened by a series of minor plot twists that build toward a dramatic major twist. Scorsese’s masterful development of the plot kept the tension high and me thoroughly engaged, hooking me all the way through.
Who is 67 ?
In 'Shutter Island,' we encounter a compelling cast of characters, each portrayed with remarkable skill. Central to the narrative is Teddy Daniels, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, a U.S. Marshal and former soldier who fought against the Nazis. His harrowing experiences during the war drive him to seek order and stability; DiCaprio's performance is as always exceptional. The plot is set into motion by the mysterious disappearance of Rachel Solando, a mentally ill patient from Aschecliffe Hospital. Her vanishing act is the catalyst that brings Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule, played by Mark Ruffalo, to Shutter Island in the first place. The mysterious nature of her character adds a profound layer of intrigue to their investigation.
Supporting performances by Michelle Williams as Dolores Chanal, Teddy’s tragically afflicted wife; Ben Kingsley as Dr. Cawley, the head doctor of Aschecliffe Hospital; and Max von Sydow as Dr. Naehring, Dr. Cawley’s colleague, enhance the film's psychological complexity. Their portrayals contribute depth to this mind-bending psychological thriller, making each character memorable and intensifying the film’s haunting atmosphere.
“It’s An Island, Boss…”
The cinematography led by Robert Richardson is a standout feature of 'Shutter Island,' showcasing true mastery. His expert camera work combined with atmospheric lighting enhances the film's psychological thriller vibe, even causing my hair to stand on end at times. A prime example of the film's masterful cinematography occurs as Teddy navigates through Aschecliffe Hospital’s Ward C, which houses some of America’s most dangerously insane criminals. The camera maneuvers and the dim lighting in this sequence heighten the suspense, creating an expectation of a jumpscare that cleverly never comes. Instead, the film masterfully sustains a sense of prolonged anticipation, keeping the audience on edge. Richardson’s work is a textbook example of how to emotionally craft a suspenseful psychological thriller.
Fog Tropes
While most elements of 'Shutter Island' are stunning, the music stands out as the major flaw for me. The soundtrack was too simplistic and gave the movie a dated feel, reminiscent of the 1980s—a stark contrast to its 2010 release. Indeed, there are films from the 1980s with more dynamic scores than what was featured in 'Shutter Island'. This simplicity in the music slowed down what were otherwise finely paced moments, disrupting the tempo of certain scenes. This issue was particularly frustrating given that the movie excelled in every other aspect.
To overcome the musical shortcomings in 'Shutter Island,' a soundtrack that enhances the film's psychological themes could greatly enrich its suspenseful atmosphere. The music should intricately mirror the themes of reality and deception, avoiding one-chord compositions. Ludwig Göransson's work on 'Oppenheimer' is a perfect example of how music can capture both the tension and the psychological complexities of the atomic bomb development. By blending classical and modern elements, he creates a deeply engaging soundtrack that resonates with the audience on multiple levels. A similar approach in 'Shutter Island' could significantly boost the emotional impact and pacing of the film, making the auditory experience as compelling as its cinematography.
“Which Would Be Worse: To Live As A Monster, Or To Die As A Good Man?”
I won't spoil the ending, but the buildup to the finale and the final scenes are, in my view, the best parts of the movie. What starts as a seemingly straightforward narrative quickly evolves into a deeply thought-provoking film. This complexity is brilliantly reflected in the ending, which leaves multiple interpretations open for the audience, sparking serious discussions among viewers about what really happened. Watching the movie alone, as I often do, I found myself sitting in my room for a good ten minutes afterward, contemplating whether the events were reality or just an elaborate fabrication. The movie's manipulative nature extends to its audience, pulling us into its web of intrigue, which is what I appreciate most about it.
This manipulative aspect of the film reflects the real-life questions about our own perceptions that I raised at the beginning of this review. It challenges us to consider whether what we see, touch, hear, taste, and smell is truly reality or merely stimuli crafted to distract us from the true nature of the world. This introspection prompts a deeper exploration of how our senses and minds construct our understanding of reality, making us question the very essence of our experiences and the world around us.
God Loves Violence
Coming into this movie, I initially thought 'Shutter Island' might share similarities with 'Inception'—another film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, which I plan to review in the future. But I was very wrong. While both films feature DiCaprio, they are fundamentally different in nature, and any comparison doesn't do justice to their distinct thematic elements. 'Shutter Island' is a suspenseful psychological thriller set in 1954 post-war America, and it captivated me from the start. The film ticks almost all the boxes for what I consider a cinematic masterpiece, though it falls short in its music composition, particularly due to its simplistic use of mono-chords. Despite this flaw, I absolutely love the movie and still regard it as a cinematic masterpiece for its intense narrative and profound psychological depth.
I give 'Shutter Island' a score of 90 on the Vigor Scale. This film is essential viewing for anyone who values a deeply psychological experience, so intense it feels as though Martin Scorsese himself is performing a virtual lobotomy. It's especially captivating for enthusiasts of psychological thrillers and a must-see for fans of Scorsese’s work who may have missed this gem. If you typically prefer action over drama, 'Shutter Island' might not be your first choice, but skipping it would mean missing out on a truly exceptional film. Now, back to the question of reality against deception: Are our perceptions a product of our own sanity, or are they meticulously crafted by government intervention? Gosh, I love this film!