Shutter Island Revisited.

I had just watched Scorsese’s Shutter Island.

I hadn’t hated it, I’d enjoyed it. My problem was…it was a piece of work by Martin Scorsese, my idol. When I compared it to his other beautiful pieces of work such as Casino, Goodfellas and After Hours, I felt let down and a little baffled. Here was a film director trying too hard to impress; that was my original impression. A few nights ago I re-watched the film and was determined to make up my mind about it once and for all. Previously, when the film had come up in conversation I was always a little unsure of what to say as I had never come to my own conclusion about this psychological mystery.

Now, two years later and two years wiser I can safely say, I love it. I found some sequences to be majestic and a work of art. The soundtrack, which irritated me the first time, compliments the darkness of the movie perfectly. Dicaprio’s intensity and paranoia on the screen was well balanced and Ben Kingsley was as sensational as I thought he was the first time. Kingsley is always flawless. I paid attention to the script and the use of editing. Subtle expressions from actors and shot choices are what really make this film so gripping and, above all, this time round it felt like a Scorsese film.

I hope others share my relief.

Thanks for reading and let’s all keep supporting our beloved film industry.