The movie Shutter Island, produced by Phoenix Pictures and Directed by Martin Scorsese, is a thrilling mystery based on the novel of the same name. Who? Interested in secret and the unknown. What? Expect the unknown and shock. It highlights the importance of mental health and the funding of mental health hospitals.

Plot

Teddy Daniels and his partner are two US Marshals Sent to probe into the escape of an Inmate at an asylum. The plot of this movie is very interesting and at a point shocking. “Teddy Daniels walks the dark empty hallway of a mental institution. The tiny flame of his match goes off. He lights another one. A couple of minutes later a man behind bars tells him “Don’t you get it? You’re a rat in a maze.” So is the viewer.” Wael Khairy, Verified Reviewer from Rotten Tomatoes

Character Development and Acting

The star actor is the well-known Lionardo Dicaprio. Who has starred in dozens of hit movies such as Wolf of Wall Street, Titanic, The Great Gatsby, and The Inception. Lionardo does an outstanding job of portraying the slow insanity of Teddy Daniels. His deception of the audience sets the end of the movie, as a pure transition from Teddy to Andrew Laeddis. Mark Ruffalo, who is only known for his roles in the Marvel Universe takes on his role as Chuck with great ease and zeal. As he tricks the audience into believing the original theme of the movie. Ben Kingsley, who is well known for parts as an evil character. Actually seemed like it would be Exactly like that again. But later in the movie, we learn his character Dr. Cawley is actually trying to help Teddy in an unexpected way.

Visuals and Cinematography

Shutter Island employs a unique style of cinematography under the hand of Robert Richardson. “What sets this film apart is its twisting plot, compelling performances, and unique cinematography that weaves an intricate web of illusion and reality, challenging the viewer’s perception at every turn.” from CIlovers. A visual masterclass truly sets Shutter Island apart from any other movie. One of my favorite examples is his dreams where we get quiet messaging of what is really going on behind it all. Also, they sneak in some other subtle things like Teddy taking a sip from a cup that doesn’t exist or what seems like lapses in the plot that you don’t notice till you watch it again.

Themes and Messages

The theme of insanity and subtle messaging of this movie is quite sad and interesting. “The central theme of the novel is mental illness, specifically illness that involves psychopathy and the criminally insane.” As written by The Grade Saver.  The movie does a good job of revealing this theme and having us the audience realize what is going on.