Shutter Island - Leo's best?

My brother, who was visiting, and I went to watch Shutter Island. I love suspenseful movies, thrillers, mysteries - bring it on. The hubby on the other hand hates this genre of film which is why I was glad to have some company to watch it with.

Shutter Island is not a horror movie as the trailers will have you believe. It's more a psychological thriller. I will try to review this movie without giving the ending away. It starts with 2 Marshals played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo, who arrive by sea, to Shutter Island. Shutter Island is a mental institution for the criminally insane - a heavily guarded place, surrounded by rocks and gun-toting guards - virtually impossible to escape. However the Marshalls Ted Daniels (Leo) and Chuck (Mark Ruffalo) are at the island to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a patient called Rachel, who we are told, drowned and killed her 3 children. Due to a sudden storm, the 2 marshals are forced to stay overnight at the facility run by Dr. Cawley played by Ben Kingsley. In the interest of retaining the suspense factor of the movie, I will not write more but suffice it to say that things start getting a bit crazy (pun unintended) - will the 2 marshals find Rachel and get out of Shutter Island despite all odds? Where is Rachel and how did she get out of a locked room? To get the answers to these questions, you have to watch the movie!

This is quite possibly the best acting by Leonardo DiCaprio I have ever seen - even in his Titanic days I couldn't see the appeal so suffice it to say that I was not too big a fan of his. However this movie convinced me of his acting chops! He was fabulous. Mark Ruffalo - he's another actor who has never got his due. He is the most understated actor I have seen (something about him reminds me of Abhay Deol... not sure why... maybe it's his mouth - but I digress). He does a great job supporting Leo. Ben Kingsley is not required to display his superior acting skills in this movie. Martin Scorsese does a wonderful job holding up the suspense throughout the movie although I must admit that I found the movie a tad too long (now was it really too long or was it my growling stomach, I don't know). My brother and I also kind of guessed the ending around three quarters into the film. That said, I enjoyed myself thoroughly and it has filled my "suspense movie craving" for now (I needed it more than ever after watching Paranormal Activity which was not scary in the least bit - I'm not sure why people were so impressed with it but that is another review).

I recommend watching it if you have the opportunity.