It’s hard to miss the point: you’re trapped. US Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner, Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), are sent to Ashecliff Hospital for the criminally insane to investigate the disappearance of murderess Rachel Solando. However, Teddy has a personal agenda as well—a chance encounter with Andrew Laeddis (Elias Koteas), who he believes is responsible for his wife’s death (Michelle Williams). But nothing at the facility is straightforward, and their investigation only deepens the mystery surrounding Ashecliff. Martin Scorsese directs *Shutter Island*, an adaptation of Dennis Lehane's best-selling novel ("Mystic River/Gone Baby Gone"). The film marks a foray into horror territory for the director, though he arguably overcomplicates things. Lehane’s book is a straightforward thriller that doesn’t require excessive analysis or guesswork. Scorsese has created a movie that, while stylish and atmospheric, feels unnecessarily complex. Almost immediately after its release, amateur critics began dissecting the film in search of hidden meanings—but they don't exist; it’s simply a compelling story full of psychological twists. Lehane himself described writing the book as a spontaneous creative flow (though he downplays his own talent). Scorsese, clearly enthusiastic about the source material, has packed too much into the movie to make it universally appealing. It is technically impressive and contains depth, but that depth isn't enough to sustain all of the genre-bending elements that are characteristic of Scorsese’s work. He seems so aware of borrowing from film noir, classic horror, and Hitchcockian traditions that he tries to distract viewers from the obvious influences. The second half of the movie also drags considerably, a stark contrast to the first hour, which is full of suspense and promise of intense psychological terror. Anticipation can be detrimental at times. As with any Scorsese production, there’s still plenty to appreciate, and it's sure to remain a divisive film in his body of work. The cast mostly delivers strong performances; DiCaprio gives a remarkable portrayal that truly resonates once the story reaches its climax. Ruffalo (understated), Ben Kingsley (suspicious), & Max Von Sydow (disturbing) all fulfill their roles appropriately, and Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson, and Williams have important supporting parts. The film also features a collection of memorable character actors, including Jackie Earle Haley, Ted Levein, and John Carroll Lynch alongside Koteas. It’s striking to realize that many of them portray iconic cinematic villains: Edgar Reese, Freddy Krueger, Buffalo Bill, and Arthur Lee Allen! (Allen's guilt was never proven, but “Zodiac” suggests otherwise). The music is suitably intense, and Robert Richardson’s cinematography is excellent, particularly within the dimly lit walls of Ashecliff (filmed at Medfield State Hospital). The costumes also capture a distinct 1950s aesthetic; Teddy and Chuck are initially seen in classic film noir hats and coats. Thelma Schoonmaker's editing maintains its usual high standard. It’s always challenging when major directors are involved, so it was no surprise that critics had differing opinions about *Shutter Island*. What they largely agreed on was that the film’s quality fluctuates and should have been a better movie given the talent involved. Reading the book beforehand also significantly diminishes the impact of the ending. I believe Scorsese wasn't the ideal director for this particular story, but even so, he has managed to satisfy his fans—they would probably praise anything he did as a masterpiece. 7.5/10

Source on TMDB