Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio are in the midst of forming the sort of collaborative partnership that in the past has yielded some of the greatest films ever made. Some of their earlier films might not have been up to the high standards they are aiming for, but this dark and complex psychological thriller is a mouth-watering opportunity to watch the pair at the top of their game.

When two US Marshals arrive of Shutter Island in 1950’s Boston, they soon find that the simple disappearance of one of the inmates actually masks something else more sinister. The island houses an asylum where the most dangerous criminals are housed and the oppressive environment begins to play havoc with Teddy (DiCaprio), who might have his own reasons for taking on the case. As a storm hits the facility, Teddy escapes from the watchful gaze hospital doctor Cawley (Sir Ben Kingsley) and begins to explore on his own.

This atmospheric and wonderfully performed story is brought to vivid life from the page by the master himself. Scorsese draws out the most mature performance to date from Dicaprio, who portrays the troubled central character with wonderful aplomb. Shutter Island is a classy exercise from start to finish.

It’s a film laden with deliberate references to the filmmakers own personal influences and as such it drips with the Noir atmosphere he is so clearly fond of. The supporting cast is superb from the ever reliable Sir Ben Kingsley and Max Von Sydow to the earnest Mark Ruffalo. There are a couple of great cameo appearances which are crucial to the plot but don’t need to be revealed here.

Indeed it is a film which has a very elaborate and painstakingly compiled reveal which gives it room to breath and develop making us care for all of those concerned. DiCaprio has never been better; he plays the part of grizzled cop to perfection and is as good when his world begins to fall apart around him. As always it may be difficult for some to see beyond his natural and youthful good looks, but put that to one side and let him take you on the character’s journey and you will be rewarded.

One might point out that in its efforts to deliver a satisfying conclusion the story takes some overly simple steps to help the audience along. Not that we are being taken for fools, just that some of the plot would have made for better introspection rather than visual payoff.

Minor quibble aside, this is a thoroughly sophisticated and invigorating slice of American cinema… the sort of thing that Scorsese alone can make look so easy.

Rating: ****

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Sir Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson and Max Von Sydow
Based on the novel by Dennis Lehane
Screenplay by Laeta Kalogridis
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Certificate: 15
Runtime: 138mins
UK release: Friday 12 March 2010

Review – Cassam Looch

Read our great interview with star Leonardo DiCaprio