Whatever Happened to Patient 67?

Released: February 19, 2010

Runtime: 2 hr. 18 min.

Rated: R [for disturbing violent content, some nudity and language]

Genres: Psychological Thriller/Mystery/Drama

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

Director: Martin Scorsese

Adapted from the 2003 novel (of the same name) by author Dennis Lehane, Shutter Island is set in post-W.W. II 1954. Rachael Solandro has somehow managed to evaporate through walls of her heavily secured room of the Ashecliff Mental Asylum for the Criminally Insane. This, of course, has Chief psychiatrist Dr. John Cawley (Ben Kinsley), along with the rest of the hospital staff of the island, perplexed to no end, and entails the assistance of U.S. Marshals Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) and newly recruited partner, Chuck Aule (Ruffalo).

We join them as they embark on the investigation of the disappearance of, “Patient 67,” and upon arriving at the elusive island, the Marshals are instructed to relinquish their firearms. This, as planned, immediately provides the audience with a heightened sense of collective anxiety. Once within the walls, the Marshals begin to realize that, with the less-that-cooperative behavior of the orderlies, nurses, and even Dr. Cawly himself, the island itself is keeping dark secrets and feels as if it could be blurted out at a moment’s notice.

Haunted himself by the images engraved in his memory, Daniels often finds himself enduring vivid hallucinations depicting his recently deceased wife Dolores, played convincingly by actress, Michelle Williams, as well as his now regrettable W.W. II engagements. Can Teddy Daniels trust his own mind? If not, who is to say these hallucinations would not interfere with the case’s resolve? Could they be linked to the disappearance? Layer upon layer, the anticipation is packed on heavily only to leave the audience with more questions than answers. While enduring an onslaught juggernaut in the form of a tropical storm (which ultimately, forces them to become prisoners themselves) we discover Daniels’ ulterior motive for his persistence in being assigned to the case. As it turns out, he is pursuing arsonist, Andrew Laeddis, who lit the match in which ended his young wife’s life and started the Marshal’s daily torment. This story within a story successfully ignites the audience’s inclusive interest.

I would normally be opposed to this, “Lost-esque,” technique, but Shutter Island kept me wanting to defragment and digest the laid out puzzle, piece by piece by piece. With a little time and effort, this Rubix Cube is well worth the wait when all colors in all sides are finally perfectly aligned. Puppeteered beautifully by illustrious director Martin Scorsese, the film is not absent of the signature visual subtleties he often reaches for. In Scorsese’s recruitment of, sought after, cinematographer Robert Richardson, these subtle visuals are, in fact, in abundance. Included in these visuals is a burning, glowing Williams held tightly by DiCaprio; thereafter ashes into a crumbling cadaver like a cigarette that has reached its last puff. A panoramic shot of the island alone leaves you haunted by the image itself, and foretells the immensity that story will provide. Some of these signature visuals often leave the audience wondering, “Did I just see that? I’m not the only one that caught that, right?” Much like Scorsese, the movie relies heavily on DiCaprio’s talent. I would have to say that he definitely delivered; both parties guilty.

Without disappointment, Scorsese scoured the earth in search of the perfect soundtrack that undoubtedly was its own animal to the story and adds to the perpetual heightened reality feel of the movie. “Symphony No.3 Passacaglia - Allegro Moderato” would be the perfect example to the rule; a massive crescendo throughout that creates an amplified feeling of anticipation. Overall, Scorsese and everyone involved can attach yet another success to their resume.

The term "psychological roller-coaster ride" has been used time and time again, but it is no doubt the most appropriate way to describe this well-produced, deeply immersing thriller. I ask you to keep in mind that things aren’t always what they seem in Shutter Island. I highly recommend this picture.

Official Trailer

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment Preview