Shutter Island (Martin Scorcese, 2010)

Wow is all. Totally not what i was expecting. Fantastically directed by Scorsese, those expecting ultra-violence will be disappointed, for this is a thinking man's film. To say too much would give away a scintillating experience, but suffice to say, this is a must see film. DiCaprio (annoyingly) is growing on me more each film. Each collaboration with Scorsese improving (this is their best outing so far).

The tension and atmosphere is supremely crafted and maintained by Scorsese, as you would come to expect from a veteran with almost forty years experience in the industry. MArty knows what works, not least the fantastic score penned by The Band guitarist Robbie Robertson. The score compliments the tone of the movie superbly and builds tension to a climax to the extent that the viewers is constantly expecting something to happen, even in scenes where it doesn't.

There are fine supporting turns from Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams and the constantly under-rated Mark Ruffalo, but the film is completely DiCaprio's. The best film of his career is also the best role of his career. As US Marshall Teddy Daniel's he immerses himself into the role of a man with a troubled past, trying to solve a routine missing persons case and at the same time battling to keep his wits and senses about him on the eponymous island, a place where things seem to make no sense. Sure, the subject matter tackled by a less gifted film-maker may have sagged and dragged in places, luckily, being Scorsese it does anything but. (i didn't look at my watch once).

Some may grumble that the ending is obvious etc and they saw it coming from the start, but they've missed the point. It isn't how the film ends, it's the way it's done that is such a treat. And for Scorsese to coax that kind of a performance from Di Caprio is simply astounding.

A tightly woven and captivating tale, expertly told by its director and carried by a powerhouse performance from DiCaprio (touche Leo, touche). Great cinematography, fine supporting turns and an ending that floors you like a kick to the stomach (but a good one).

Must see.

4.5 out of 5