Not A Shutter Island Movie Review

This is not a Shutter Island movie review, exactly. It is a review of the book and my discussion of whether or not this movie is too dark and disturbing for me. If you are reading this and have seen the movie, PLEASE let me know what you think.

Last summer, long before I heard of Shutter Island the movie, I read the Shutter Island book by Dennis Lehane.  It was so good that when I saw the movie trailer on television, I said to my husband, "I've already seen that movie." He replied, "No, you haven't, it's not out yet."

How weird is that? Pretty weird, if you ask me but maybe, just maybe, it is a testament to the book.  A very good book.  The story, the main character, the island, the action were all so well done that I could see them in my mind's eye.

The story? Set in 1954, two U.S. Marshals arrive on an island near Massachusetts. The island is home to an institution for the criminally insane and someone has escaped. When the island is hit by gale-force winds, one of the two partners disappears leaving the other to solve the mystery alone. What is going on this island? A novel of the workings of the human mind, a psychological mystery and a real page-turner.

Given my enjoyment of the book, I knew I wanted to see the movie.  I was anxious for its release and when I discovered it was rated R I was disappointed and I found myself wondering, given the subject matter, if the movie was going to be an uncomfortable one for me.  So I'm left wondering if I should see this movie or not...and as usual, I turn to the experts to see what they have to say.

One of my favorite movie reviewers is The Movie Mom.  Her reviews cover much more than the expected children's movies and I find I am on her wavelength, exactly.  Right away, she says the this movie is rated R for disturbing violent content, language and some nudity.  Those words have me thinking this movie is NOT for me but The Movie Mom's review is so well written that once again, I have pictures from the book in my head...I love the idea of the mystery, the setting in a storm, but wonder if they have pushed the dark storyline too far for me. 

Maybe I'll try watching Shutter Island at home on blu-ray, where I can stop it if I don't like it.  What about you? Did you see this movie? Did you think it disturbing? Should I watch it?  I'd love to hear from you if you've seen this movie...and even if you have not.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy Dennis Lehane's Shutter Island book from Amazon.
Pre-order Shutter Island the movie from Amazon.
Shutter Island will be released on blu-ray and DVD on June 8, 2010.