Scorsese scores with “Shutter Island”

Martin Scorsese has always been praised for directing Oscar-worthy mob movies such as “Goodfellas” and “The Departed.” But his latest film, “Shutter Island” is something entirely different. Top-notch acting and breathtaking cinematography may amaze audiences, but the unique direction of the movie is what captivates until the very end.

In 1954, U.S. Marshal Edward “Teddy” Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) is assigned to investigate the disappearance of murderer-and-patient Rachel Solando from Boston’s Ashecliffe Hospital on Shutter Island. As Teddy uncovers clues to her location, he also discovers evidence of the twisted and radical treatments patients are forced to undergo. When a terrible hurricane hits the island and cuts off all power and access to the mainland, all Teddy can do is try to survive the escaped patients and conspiring doctors.

As the movie plays out, Teddy is plagued with haunting dreams and hallucinations of his dead wife and of the time he served in uniform during World War II. When he begins to question his sanity, you can’t help but do the same.

Besides the amazing direction of this movie, the acting itself is just as impressive. If anyone ever questioned DiCaprio’s talent, they need only look at this movie to be proved wrong. However, the emotional journey he takes us on would not be as impressive without the equally talented supporting cast.

There is a captivating sense of chemistry between each of the characters, no matter how large or small the role. Perhaps the best example of this was between Teddy and George Noyce (Jackie Earle Haley). Though only present for a single scene, Haley puts a lot into portraying a broken inmate. The sense of disparity and foreboding between him and Teddy as they talk is fascinating. The pain of the characters poured through the screen and into the audience.

The Gothic style of this film is done so well that it appears Edgar Alan Poe himself may have risen from the grave and lent a helping hand. Disturbing but beautiful images, such as the maze-like structure of Ward C or the thousands of frozen bodies at the Nazi camps, leave the viewer as haunted as the characters themselves.

Besides the hospital itself, the most memorable of the Gothic style used appears in Teddy’s visions. The image of papers falling from the ceiling into puddles of blood and Teddy holding his wife as she turns to ash are as disturbing as they are breathtaking.

Though “Shutter Island” was originally scheduled for an Oct. 2009 release date, the wait was well worth it. It’s a shame that we won’t see the movie at this year’s Oscars, but there is no doubt it will be seen at the award ceremony next year. It seems inevitable, as this is a movie no one could forget once they see it.

Movie grade: A