DiCaprio rules Shutter Island

The psychological thriller Shutter Island, based on a novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane, employs a cleverly twisted plot to leave its audience enthralled in dark possibilities.

The story is set in a post World War II era on a treacherous island off the coast of Massachusetts, home to Ashecliffes Hospital for the Criminally Insane. War veteran and U.S Marshal Teddy Daniels, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, is investigating the disappearance of patient Rachel Salondo, who escaped from her locked corridors without leaving a trace. As the clues unfold, he is left swimming in gruesome memories from Nazi Germany and the untimely death of his wife Dolores Chanal, played by Michelle Williams.

Daniels' stay at Shutter Island is littered with headaches, hallucinations and grizzly nightmares all pointing to one thing; the answers he seeks are inside the heavily guarded lighthouse, where the opportunity to visit only arises after a severe storm ravages the island.

Leonardo DiCaprio's perfect portrayal of the haunted war veteran gives the film the extra something it needs. Observers believe Daniels and empathize with his convictions and as the truth unfolds, the viewer is left conflicted.

However, there are some technical flaws. Hokey special effects plague the visually disturbing nightmares Daniels suffers.

Creative directors of the film claim the effects enhance the distinctions between fiction and reality, a theme the movie relies on heavily, but the pink painted on blood of a murder victim and chunky falling ash from the ceiling of a burning building lack the intentionality to support this goal.

Overall the movie captures the ability to play with the psyche of its viewers. Despite corny effects, Leonardo DiCaprio's performance is riveting and the vague closing line; "Is it better to live a monster, or die a good man?" leaves the audience wondering just that.