Shutter Island (2010)

7.5/10

“What the heck did I just watch,” were the first words heard as I exited the theatre. As to whether this is a good response or not is hard to tell.

Shutter Island follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) who is investigating the disappearance of a murderer who has escaped from a mental hospital for the criminally insane on Shutter Island.

Grasping the main idea of the film is easy, mystery on an island full of dangerous criminally insane people, however that is all that you can understand. The film does a great job of keeping viewers completely baffled with random flash backs and segmented dream sequences. The film seems to work at messing with your head with continuous questioning of what reality is and what is not. The use of music also adds to the confusion by throwing you off balance. The volume of the music would go from deafening loud straight into silence leaving you feeling confused and uneasy.

The plot unfolds slowly, and nothing made sense until the last 20 minutes. Shutter Island seems to have a predictable and an unpredictable ending at the same time. It is obvious the plot is not all that meets the eye, but at the same time it is also hard to foresee where the film is heading.

Leonardo DiCaprio is fantastic in the lead role and is extremely convincing. DiCaprio is so talented that you tend to forget whom you are watching as he absorbs his character so well.

If you are looking for a relaxing and clear movie, then this will definitely disappoint. This movie will get into your head and keep you scratching your head—for a long time.

This is a hard movie to rate...I don't know whether I liked it or not.

The Thirteenth Floor (1999)

8.5/10 (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!)

This film had many positive reviews, yet for some reason had a low rating of 6.5/10 on IMDB. I almost didn't watch this film as a result of it, but I am glad I doubted the site.

Matrix might have been the reason for the low rating...People used Matrix to rate this film would have missed how enjoyable The 13th


The Matrix and The Thirteenth Floor have similar concepts but both films has it's own extraordinary elements.

The Matrix has many CGI elements, making it an very action filled and exciting film. A star studded cast, non-stop action, CGI effects and a concept makes this film very exciting. The plot line, however, cannot be compared to that of Thirteenth Floor.

The Thirteenth Floor is about a computer generated digital parallel world created by Hannon Fuller and his colleague Douglas Hall. The digital world is set in the 30's with people with real emotions. Hannon knowing someone is after him leaves a letter in the parallel world, but is murdered in the real world the same night, and Douglas is under suspicion. Douglas attempts to find the truth not knowing what awaits him.

The film has very little CGI elements, an unfamiliar cast and little action. However, what makes the Thirteenth Floor exciting is the sophisticated plot line, great character development, and an atmosphere of mystery/suspense from the beginning. The plot of the film is full of twist and kept me hooked all the way through. Craig Bierko, the Ben Affleck look-a-like, is exceptional as Douglas Hall and I wonder how come I don't see him in more films.

Don't get me wrong, both films are great, just don't make one film superior to the other. Watch both and enjoy them separately!