"Shutter Island" is a 21st century masterpiece

Director: Martin Scorcese

Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Genre: Drama/Suspense

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams

It is rare that a film finds the perfect combination of acting, script, sound and screenplay needed to be labeled a masterpiece. However, Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island" is a prime example of what one should look like. From beginning to end, Scorsese finds the perfect balance between all his film elements and the result is a film sure to be a modern classic.

Hot of the heels of his 2006 hit "The Departed," Scorsese has proven that he can keep stride with the momentum as "Shutter Island" is just as enjoyable, if not better, than its predecessor. Each aspect of the film, from sound to setting, is meticulously refined.

"Shutter Island" tells the story of Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), two U.S. marshals who are investigating the disappearance of a mental patient on Shutter Island - an island that is home to the most violent mentally insane criminals in the United States.

As their investigation delves deeper into the secrets of the asylum, they discover that all is not what it seems on Shutter Island... Anymore explanation and I would be robbing you all of what is some very well-done editing and directing.

The musical score and overall sound beds used in the film are well chosen. After years of directing, Scorsese knows exactly what types of music to use and when to use it. Even more importantly, he knows when not to use any music at all to get his effects across. Being adept at this helps create much of the tension and suspense that will keep you gripping the sides of your seat. Whether it be the sound of droplets of rain on the cold floor or the melancholy musical score when DiCaprio has his memories, Scorsese knows exactly what to employ.

The visual imagery of "Shutter Island" is also very clean. There is so much attention to detail that you can almost feel the cold, damp texture of the prison walls as well as the bland, thin air of the clinic. When combined with the sound and context of this complicated film, there is an all-out attack on your senses which is really quite gripping and will definitely have your attention.

The acting is great. Leonardo DiCaprio has really come into his own and with films like "Titanic", "Gangs of New York", "Blood Diamond" and "The Departed" under his belt, DiCaprio certainly should be put as one of the top actors of our generation. His performance as Teddy is perfect and the role is an excellent example of how varied DiCaprio's abilities are. Ben Kingsley is also very good in a supporting role as a medical director on the island.

The screenplay isn't too shabby either. Based on novel by Dennis Lehane, the plot is full of twists, turns and red herrings. Scorsese knows how to keep the suspense and confusion at an all time high and the plot will have you guessing until the final twists are revealed.

I've been pretty hard on the films that have come out in the past 3 months and that is solely because they are lacking in some aspects. "Shutter Island" is without most of these flaws. You want to watch a movie that is truly worth the money you will spend watching it? Go catch "Shutter Island." And then, go catch it again.

5 out of 5 stars.

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