Introduction
The neo-noir genre, which is more auteur than mass, is valued for the special atmosphere in which filmmakers reveal the deep personalities and experiences of characters and raise acute social issues. Although the vast majority of modern directors have moved away from this style, which is aimed at a narrow audience, some film industry products resemble neo-noir in their atmosphere. One such movie is Shutter Island, directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 2010. In addition to a brilliant cast, this thriller has a compelling story that draws viewers in from the first minute despite its melancholy and gloomy nature. By placing the main characters in an environment of anxiety and fear, the director and the entire film crew managed to convey the special charm of the middle of the last century. Shutter Island achieves the effect that classic neo-noir films had on the public, and this success is a combination of different aspects of filmmaking.
Movie Details
The film is difficult to attribute to a specific genre because it contains different styles that create a comprehensive picture. When speaking of neo-noir, one can highlight the deep feelings of the main character, his conversations with himself, memories that directly affect the plot, and other details inherent in such movies. Moreover, the film contains “the protagonist’s violence, paranoia and fragmented psyche,” which are the common features of this genre (Short 10). At the same time, as one critic notes, Scorsese “made many psychological thrillers, but they get overlooked by his mob movies” (Jain). In addition, horror elements are present in Shutter Island, which makes it entertaining for a wide range of viewers.
The lead role of Teddy Daniels is played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who was the laureate of the Horror/Thriller Actor Award for this work. The supporting roles were played by the notorious Mark Ruffalo (Daniels’ partner) and Ben Kingsley (the head physician of the clinic). The events take place in the middle of the 20th century. Two federal marshals are sent to a psychiatric clinic for especially dangerous criminals, which is separated from the mainland, to investigate the escape of one of the patients. As the plot develops, this is challenging for the viewer to identify obvious protagonists and antagonists because events are constantly changing, and the characters appear in different guises. The movie’s surprising ending puts everything in its place; the moral of Shutter Island is that everyone has their own inner demons, and evil may not be where it first appears.
Personal Evaluation
The plot of the movie is complicated and constantly offers the audience new twists that change perception and do not allow understanding the true essence and causes of events until the end. However, throughout the viewing, the feeling of a mystical secret does not leave, and the island on which the marshals arrive behaves as if alive and embraces the characters, not letting them go (Jain). This symbolism is introduced by the director for a reason; Shutter Island is intended to create the perception that everyone on this island, down to the clinic staff, is part of the evil. However, as the denouement shows, not everything is as simple as it appears, and the storyline is difficult to unravel or predict.
The story is fictional and does not involve real characters or events, but it is based on a novel of the same name. In the movie, the director adds some elements and slightly changes the ending. Nevertheless, this does not make Shutter Island any less interesting since both the setting and the overall atmosphere are realistic, although they differ from the original in some details. One of the features that classify the film as neo-noir is its soundtrack, which, along with a gloomy background, completely immerses the audience in the right atmosphere. One can pay attention to “a typical flashback or sound bridge from the present to the past,” and these elements in Shutter Island help better understand the main character’s motives and concerns (Haacke 47). The depressing music throughout the film amplifies the tension that is transmitted to the viewer. Although the movie does not contain numerous special effects, this makes it even more gloomy because thunderstorms, strong winds, and other natural elements serve as additional scenery. Thus, the film has more of a psychological effect than a visual one.
With a professional cast and a compelling storyline, Shutter Island is highly acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. Nevertheless, the movie does not have the success it deserves, largely due to Scorsese’s experience of working on films of other genres (Jain). Shutter Island cannot be attributed to the classic genre of noir in which, in addition to black-and-white shooting, the criminal world is more often presented with its violence, corruption, and other vices (Short 227). The film under review will be of interest to a wide range of viewers because it combines different styles with a dynamic plot. The inability to solve the mystery of the island makes the movie fascinating, and it is worth watching not only for connoisseurs of the great director but also for ordinary viewers. Despite the psychological background, the storyline can hardly be called boring or tedious.
The originality of the plot and its completeness make the movie an integral product that is pleasant to review and notice new details. From the first time, the viewer cannot appreciate the full scale of the director’s idea. The theme of World War II, with its multi-million casualties, evokes a sense of loss that is typical of classic noir films (Haacke 46). Shutter Island can be regarded as a valuable movie that has made a significant contribution to world cinematograph. Although a sequel is not expected because the denouement is obvious, the film deserves to be watched at least twice. It paid off at the box office, but that could be largely attributed to the outstanding cast and filmmaking crew. If the audience had known what awaited them, it is possible that the film would have collected significantly more money worldwide. Thus, Shutter Island is worth the time spent watching and will be of interest to fans of different genres who appreciate high-quality acting and a well-thought-out plot.
Conclusion
Combining different styles and approaches to filmmaking helped Martin Scorsese direct his outstanding film, which was a unique cinematic product despite its resemblance to neo-noir movies. Shutter Island can be of interest to different viewers, and this is difficult to single out a specific target audience because there is no unambiguous genre. The psychological background, complemented by a gloomy setting and depressing music, achieves the desired effect of anxiety. The high quality of the storyline and the brilliant acting make the film a valuable work, which, nevertheless, could have received even more recognition.
Works Cited
Haacke, Paul. “The Melancholic Voice-Over in Film Noir.” JCMS: Journal of Cinema and Media Studies, vol. 58, no. 2, 2019, pp. 46-70.
Jain, Ayush. “Shutter Island Movie: A Look at the Underrated Scorsese Flick.” The Movie Culture, 2021. Web.
Short, Sue. Darkness Calls: A Critical Investigation of Neo-Noir. Palgrave Macmillan, 2019.
Shutter Island. Directed by Martin Scorsese, Paramount Pictures, 2010.