Shutter Island
It's been a long time since I've really warmed to a Martin Scorsese film. I think the last film of his I thought was worthy of inclusion among his best works was Casino, way back in 1995. His films since then have been quite uneven, derivative and stale. This film however is a return to form and seems to have been made by an invigorated Scorsese. It's a classy effort. It may not be ground-breaking or too complex, but this film for me is supremely cinematic in that the narrative isn't as important as how it looks and feels. It's a deliciously dark and ominous impressionistic painting crowding in over you as you let the images wash over and engulf you. Scorsese's use of overcast and gloomy weather to convey a sense of impending doom is very nicely executed and the overall look of the film is what has stayed with me the longest. Robert Richardson should be the front-runner to pick up a best cinematography Oscar at next years event as his work here is outstanding. Leonardo DiCaprio once again puts in an excellent performance in the lead role and while there's no real surprises as far as the plot goes this film motors along, rushing headlong towards a satisfying conclusion while barely pausing for breath. Some of the camerawork is first class, as you would expect from a Scorsese film and there are some marvelous set-pieces. This is a slick and energetic film from a director that still loves what he's doing and certainly knows how to get what he wants from a film.
