A nearly perfect storm

The concept of the muse is an interesting part of the artistic process. One who inspires in us the ability to create a work of art, or better yet, the one that moves us. Martin Scorsese has inspired more than his share of filmmakers. His work is legendary, and so are his muses. Robert DeNiro, Harvey Keitel, Daniel Day-Lewis, a veritable hall-of-fame lineup, have all brought his work to life in multiple films. Since 2002, however, it has been one man that Scorsese counted on to deliver time and again: Leonardo DiCaprio. The duo is back once more with “Shutter Island.”

A female inmate’s escape prompts the U.S. Marshall service into action. Teddy Daniels (DiCaprio) and his newly met partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) are sent to investigate the circumstances around the unlikely disappearance from the Ashecliffe Hospital on Shutter Island. Composed of the most uninviting rock facade and placed in the storm-buffeting location off the coast of Boston, the most violent, damaged offenders are housed here in this special facility. Protocol is strict, the staff is well-trained, and the escapee, Rachel Soldano, seems to have just vanished.

The investigation is made all the more difficult for Daniels because of his personal mental health. As a liberator of the Dachau Nazi death camp, he still deals with the horrors he perpetrated and witnessed during the war. Also, the accidental death of his wife Dolores (Michelle Williams) continues to haunt the Marshall. In addition to these burdens, the staff of Ashecliffe is far from forthcoming.

We have already glimpsed the magic of DiCaprio and Scorsese together. The true treat in Martyland is watching him work with legends for the first time, ala Jack Nicholson in “The Departed.” Cue the band and enter Ben Kingsley and Max Von Sydow.

Dr. Cawley (Kingsley) is a true progressive compassionate. He believes in the benefits of talking to his patients and helping them become well again, as opposed to the medieval manner previously employed. Cawley’s colleague Dr. Naehring (Von Sydow) seems to be interested in Daniels but more as a case of study than regarding the investigation. Their gentle sparring seems to rile the Marshall.

The men are shown the grounds and begin to compile clues. Still, there are no definitive answers, only more questions. An approaching storm places the institution on high alert giving the Marshall team the ability to search out answers unfettered, but will the stone walls of Ashecliffe pose any less insurmountable than it’s staff and secrets?

Scorsese, this cast and a brilliant story penned by Dennis Lehane (“Mystic River”) all equal gold. The Herculean effort required to ruin this film thankfully does not exist. It is a carefully constructed voyage into the mind of madness with Scorsese once again proving to be a most capable tour guide. Kingsley and DiCaprio are simply magical together, as is the entire cast. Ted Levine (“Monk’s” Capt. Stottlemeyer) stands out as the unflinching warden of Ashecliffe due to a mesmerizing scene with DiCaprio. That is the film’s real gift; it sucks the viewer in and takes him along for quite a story. A truly magnificent story and a truly magnificent film. Whatever Mr. Scorsese’s muses are doing to inspire him, let’s hope they stay at it for a very long time.

Rating: W W W W 1/2