When a film buff hears the name Martin Scorsese it's not exactly synonymous with horror.  The first thing that pops into your mind is likely either Taxi Driver or Goodfellas or even Raging Bull, just to throw out a handful.  Each movie a classic in its own right, each helmed by one of the greatest masters of film to ever sit in a chair with his name on the back (we'll just ignore Gangs of New York, ‘kay?).  And now he brings us, much to my delight, Shutter Island. Could Scorsese really be dipping into my favorite genre?  Not exactly.  I wouldn't call this horror for the casual viewer.  If you only dig on masked killers and zombies (not that there's anything wrong with that) then you might not appreciate the delicate approach he chooses to give us the willies.  Shutter Island is more psychological than anything.  It makes you think.  You have to pay attention.  And the best way to enjoy it is to let yourself go and trust Martin to do what he does best.  He weaves a tale that will stick with you for a long while after the credits have rolled.  If you are like me you will find yourself tossing over every scene in your mind and dying to see it again as soon as you can.

What?  You want some story insight?  Well I'll do what I can without ruining anything.  Based on the novel by Dennis Lehane, it's 1954 and Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) is a US Marshal who is on the case of a missing patient at a secluded mental facility which houses only the most dangerous of the criminally insane. There are three wards: Ward A, Ward B and Ward C where only the worst are kept.  His new partner, Chuck (Ruffalo) is along for the ride as they attempt to uncover what is really going on behind the bars of the hospital/prison.  But things don't seem to be adding up as they should.  The mysterious doctors and staff aren't making things easy either.  But Daniels discovers more than a murderous during his stay on the island.

While some have complained about the long running time, it clocks in at 2 hours 18 minutes, I found myself wanting more and saddened that it was over.  You'll have to be your own judge about that.  But the story, the beautiful scenery and the performances kept me glued to the screen.  I am a sucker for period pieces done well and I feel Scorcese captured the 50s perfectly.  Toss in a cast including Ben Kingsley, the remarkable Max Von Sydow, Ted Levine, Elias Koteas, the new "Freddy" Jackie Earle Haley and Michelle Williams and we have what I call a masterpiece.  Each actor brought everything they have to the screen and it shows.  DiCaprio has finally come of age for me as his maturity shows through even without his gruff, weathered exterior. 

insane. There are three wards: Ward A, Ward B and Ward C, where only the worst are kept.  His new partner, Chuck (Mark Ruffalo) is along for the ride as they attempt to uncover what is really going on behind the bars of the hospital/prison.  But things don't seem to be adding up as they should.  The mysterious doctors and staff aren't making things easy either.  But Daniels discovers more than a murder during his stay on the island.

While some have complained about the long running time, it clocks in at 2 hours 18 minutes, I found myself wanting more and saddened that it was over.  You'll have to be your own judge about that.  But the story, the beautiful scenery and the performances kept me glued to the screen.  I am a sucker for period pieces done well and I feel Scorsese captured the ‘50s perfectly.  Toss in a cast including Ben Kingsley, the remarkable Max Von Sydow, Ted Levine, Elias Koteas, the new "Freddy" Jackie Earle Haley and Michelle Williams and we have what I call a masterpiece.  Each actor brought everything they have to the screen and it shows.  DiCaprio has finally come of age for me as his maturity shows through even without his gruff, weathered exterior. 

Easily the best theater release of 2010 so far, Shutter Island is full of intrigue, creep-inspiring visuals and clever story-telling.  Who could ask for anything more?  I'm happy to finally get the tens off to a good start.  It took a while but now that my blood is pumping I'm ready to see what else is in store for me as a horror fan (as well as a cinephile) this year.

brought everything they have to the screen and it shows.  DiCaprio has finally come of age for me as his maturity shows through even without his gruff, weathered exterior. 

Easily the best theater release of 2010 so far, Shutter Island is full of intrigue, creep-inspiring visuals and clever story-telling.  Who could ask for anything more?  I'm happy to finally get the tens off to a good start.  It took a while but now that my blood is pumping I'm ready to see what else is in store for me as a horror fan (as well as a cinephile) this year.