Martin Scorsese is a movie genius, and it shows in his knack for picking the perfect actors for his films. Take Leonardo DiCaprio, for example — one of Hollywood’s biggest stars since the ’90s. When these two teamed up for a suspense thriller that audiences absolutely loved, it was pretty much a match made in cinematic heaven.
Shutter Island is one of those films that still leaves an impact, even more than a decade after its release. It turns out that watching it just once isn’t quite enough. With all the changes over the years, particularly the ongoing conversations about mental health, re-watching this masterpiece can offer a whole new perspective and be a truly transformative experience.
Why Does Shutter Island Need To Be Watched More Than Once?
In a time when mental health is becoming an increasingly open topic of discussion, Shutter Island has resurfaced as one of those films that deserves more attention, especially with the generational shift. The movie stands out not only for its intense and gripping plot but also for the powerful lesson it offers by the end.
Martin Scorsese‘s 2010 film follows federal agent Teddy Daniels, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, as he investigates the disappearance of a patient from a psychiatric prison on an isolated island. The thriller is known for one of the most praised plot twists, where it’s revealed that the protagonist is actually a patient who has created an alter-ego to explain his presence there.
Throughout the story, it almost feels like false clues are being planted to spark different interpretations from the audience, adding to the film’s intrigue. Scorsese is also known for his skill in absorbing and incorporating many references into his work, which makes Shutter Island even more fascinating.
However, the main focus remains on the truth behind Teddy’s story. In an instant, the film shifts into a deeply dramatic narrative, and what starts as a thrilling journey, transforms into something much more profound, causing the audience to reflect not just on the plot, but even on their own lives.
However, to truly appreciate the depth of the film, it’s worth watching it at least a second time. Doing so allows catching the clues that may have been missed the first time around — like scenes and dialogues carefully crafted to transform Teddy’s entire journey into a therapy session.
It becomes clear that the character is a delusional patient who created an illusion to shield himself from the harsh reality of the consequences he faced after murdering his wife. However, watching the film more than once also makes the audience to ponder: is it better to live as a monster or die as a good man?
When Scorsese opts to shape the entire plot by subtly implying details and placing the truth between the lines, almost as if he wants the viewer to think like Teddy, it transforms the movie-watching experience. A second viewing recontextualizes the story, allowing people to grasp the deeper layers that were initially hidden beneath the surface.
Shutter Island forces people to reflect on real life by exploring the labyrinths of a mind in denial, revealing how people can deceive themselves to cope with harsh truths.
Martin Scorsese Says He Regrets Making Shutter Island
The film is often regarded as one of the best films ever made, but it seems its director doesn’t share the same sentiment, at least not after some time has passed. In a 2023 interview with GQ, Scorsese opened up about his body of work and admitted that he probably shouldn’t have agreed to direct the project.
It seems the director didn’t fully consider whether it was a good idea to take on the film. His decision was likely influenced by the excitement of winning the Oscar for The Departed, leading him to jump into Shutter Island without much thought.
Looking back, he admitted that he would have preferred to prioritize Silence, which he viewed as a more personal and ambitious project. He also acknowledged that Shutter Island marked the last time he worked with a major production company like Paramount, as he seemed to be seeking a more independent path for his future films.
Regardless of his perspective, the truth is that the film has become a classic in the realm of suspense and psychological thrillers. While the director may have a more critical view, for many, Shutter Island remains synonymous with “Absolute Cinema.”
Shutter Island is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
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