Sunday, May 23, 2010

Martin Scorsese's dark 'Shutter Island' surprises and shocks

Movies that depend on turns and twists often leave audiences groaning  . Too often, sudden illuminations and revelations feel convenient or rushed , bows tied round a box to keep the whole thing together.
Such is not the case with Martin Scorsese's taut psychological thriller "Shutter Island," a movie that keeps you guessing to the end and then -- miraculously -- makes the guessing pay off .
Working with a stunning ensemble  of actors, Scorsese has crafted a work that reeks of classic filmmaking: It takes place in 1954 and looks like it was made in 1954. From its opening shots -- our hero, sick at sea as he approaches a remote island -- the film fairly brims with existential noir  anger and angst.
Still, "Shutter Island" is mainly a boy's club affair, with Leonardo DiCaprio holding the camera in nearly every scene. Really funny jokes .He, Kingsley and Ruffalo charge confidently through this film, no easy trick given the audience has little idea who they really are or what they're about. The key is DiCaprio's absolute assurance at all times.

It's the sort of film that's tough to pull off, but Scorsese and company manage the trick beautifully. Tuoboo. This movie will give you shivers.

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