RATING: 5/5
The last time Martin Scorcese has ever tackled a horror/thriller genre is the 1991's CAPE FEAR. Here he does it again -- SHUTTER ISLAND is no doubt the best genre movie about twisted psychology since Stanley Kubrick's horror masterpiece THE SHINING (1980). A definite milestone for this ever-versatile director who has effortlessly crafted this well-paced thriller that is both claustrophobic, exciting and thought-provoking at the same time.
Likewise, technical credits are top-notch -- Thelma Schoonmaker's fluid editing is mesmerizing; Robert Richardson's atmospheric cinematography evokes the classic horror/thriller genre of the golden era; and Robbie Richardson's string-laden music score is simply nail-biting.
Of course nothing really works if not for Laeta Kalogridis's twisted screenplay that turns inside out for its various themes including guilt, redemption, psychological disorder and the blurred line between fantasy and reality.
All the actors, even smaller role like the one from Elias Koteas and Jackie Earle Haley, are memorable. And once again, Leonardo DiCaprio continues to excel in his deeply obsessive role as the frustrating U.S. Marshal trying to uncover the truth behind the mystery of the Shutter Island.
Never mind with the fact, especially those seasoned moviegoers, will (more or less) figure out the revelation long before the movie is even reaches till the end. What matters the most is how Scorcese keeps the viewers on the edge of their seat, while anticipating what's happen next. And that's the beauty of this movie.
It's a certified masterpiece for such genre ever seen in a long time.
Highly recommended.