A Timeless Nail Biter: Shutter Island
[SPOILERS] Shutter Island is a 2010 American neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Martin Scorsese and adapted by Laeta Kalogridis, based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Deputy U.S. Marshal Edward "Teddy" Daniels, who is investigating a psychiatric facility on Shutter Island after one of the patients goes missing. Mark Ruffalo plays his partner and fellow deputy marshal, Ben Kingsley is the facility's lead psychiatrist, Max von Sydow is a German doctor, and Michelle Williams is Daniels' wife. Released on February 19, 2010, the film received mostly positive reviews from critics, was chosen by National Board of Review as one of the top ten films of 2010, and grossed over $294 million worldwide.
While Shutter Island and the mental hospital depicted in the film are both fictitious, they are based in some truth. Islands throughout the Boston Harbor have been home to many social welfare institutions over the years. These include quarantine stations, prisons, almshouses, and hospitals. Long Island Hospital was established in the harbor in 1893 and was operational until the mid-1900s. Over the course of its existence, this institution served as an almshouse, hospital, home for unwed mothers, homeless shelter, and treatment center for people suffering from alcohol addiction. This is the hospital that inspired Shutter Island.
A Gripping Premise
Set in 1954, "Shutter Island" follows U.S. Marshal Edward "Teddy" Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) as they arrive at Ashecliffe Hospital, a fortress-like institution for the criminally insane located on the remote Shutter Island. Their mission is to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a patient, Rachel Solando, who vanished from a locked cell in the hospital under perplexing circumstances.
As Teddy delves deeper into the eerie world of Ashecliffe Hospital, he becomes increasingly haunted by his own troubled past, having lost his wife in a tragic fire. The isolation and oppressive atmosphere of Shutter Island begin to take a toll on Teddy's sanity, and he is plagued by unsettling visions and disturbing dreams. As the investigation unfolds, Teddy's grip on reality starts to slip, and he finds himself questioning not only the truth behind Rachel Solando's disappearance but also the authenticity of his own experiences.
Leonardo DiCaprio's Riveting Performance
Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a tour de force performance as Teddy Daniels, showcasing his immense range as an actor. As the tormented and enigmatic U.S. Marshal, DiCaprio immerses himself in the role, conveying Teddy's internal struggles and psychological turmoil with incredible depth and emotion. His ability to seamlessly transition between moments of vulnerability and determination adds layers to the character, making Teddy both sympathetic and unpredictable.
DiCaprio's portrayal of Teddy Daniels is undoubtedly one of the standout performances of his career, earning him critical acclaim and further solidifying his reputation as one of Hollywood's most versatile and accomplished actors.
Teddy Daniels is a heavily traumatized U.S. Marshall who served in WW2 and the film captures the PTSD and grief caused by serving in the war very accurately contrasted against the severely mentally ill patients of Shutter Island.
A Mind-Bending Narrative
At its core, "Shutter Island" is a meticulously crafted mystery that keeps audiences guessing until the final frame. As the plot unravels, the film plays with the viewers' perceptions, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. Director Martin Scorsese expertly guides the audience through a labyrinth of psychological twists and turns, challenging them to piece together the puzzle of Shutter Island.
The film's narrative intricacy is complemented by a haunting and atmospheric score by composer Robbie Robertson, further immersing the audience in the unsettling and claustrophobic world of Shutter Island.
One prominent detail of the film is the use of music. After seeing the ending and knowing the truth, when you go back and watch it again, you notice that anytime Teddy is suspicious or that we’re viewing the world through his delusions, there’s ominous music playing. Anytime something that isn’t real is happening, there’s terrifying music. But once it’s back to reality, no music. It’s almost a dead giveaway that it’s all a farce for Teddy’s benefit.
The most noticeable use of this, is when they’re driving up to the gates for the “first time,” and he’s noticing the “electrified perimeter” and seeing all the guards with guns and all that - there’s some seriously doomy sounding music playing, and it swells with Teddy’s suspicions. The moment they start talking to the deputy warden, all music just stops. It then becomes very obvious that this has all been rehearsed, and even performed before to a degree - especially with the way the deputy warden speaks to the “marshals.”
As an American GI he witnessed the horrors at Dachau and the scenes he witnessed there continue to traumatize him throughout the film. The backdrop of Dachau contrasted against the backdrop of the mental facility is also eerily similar with barbed wire and people in positions of authority wearing oppressing police uniforms and weapons.
A Cinematic Triumph
"Shutter Island" is a testament to the prowess of both Martin Scorsese's direction and the exceptional talents of its cast. The film's haunting visual aesthetics and atmospheric cinematography transport viewers to a bygone era, adding to the sense of unease and uncertainty that permeates the story.
With its gripping plot, top-notch performances, and thought-provoking themes of guilt, trauma, and the complexities of the human mind, "Shutter Island" has become a benchmark in the psychological thriller genre. It is a film that lingers in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll, leaving them contemplating the haunting mysteries of Shutter Island and questioning the boundaries of reality and perception.
As the film unravels, the question arises whether Teddy Daniels is in control of his sanity or not, as contradictions arise in the dialogue he has, both with his police partner who arrived with him on the island, as well as the doctors and patients he encounters on the island.
In one scene where Kingsley's (the head doctor) expression when Teddy approached Naehring (another physician) in German... He knew his accent will trigger Teddy's memories and something radical is about to happen. When re-watching the film, a lot of inner pain is noticeably teased out of Teddy Daniels in an attempt to get him to overcome his PTSD and diminished mental state.
The film covers a lot of content from war-driven ptsd, to an unstable life at home, to the complexities of government run psychiatric hospitals. The film is a masterpiece and a quality production for any viewer interested in psychological thrillers.
In conclusion, "Shutter Island" stands as a compelling and mind-bending thriller that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. With its haunting atmosphere, riveting plot, and powerful performances, the film leaves an indelible mark on its audience, solidifying its status as a must-watch for fans of psychological mysteries and cinematic excellence.
