🟨 10 Curiosities about the movie "Shutter Island" (2010) that you didn't know!

"Shutter Island," directed by Martin Scorsese and released in 2010, is a psychological thriller that plunges viewers into a maze of mysteries and intrigue. Based on Dennis Lehane’s novel, the film tells the story of Detective Teddy Daniels, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who investigates the disappearance of a patient in a psychiatric hospital on the remote Shutter Island.

Beyond its engaging plot, "Shutter Island" is filled with fascinating trivia, from the intense preparation of the actors to the meticulous details of the art direction. Scorsese employs innovative cinematic techniques to create an atmosphere of suspense and paranoia, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

1 - A FAN LETTER

Mark Ruffalo landed the role of Chuck Aule after sending Scorsese a fan letter expressing how much he wanted to work with him.

2 - CEMETERY QUOTE

The quote “Remember us, for we too have lived, loved, and laughed,” seen on a plaque on the way to the mental institution, was taken from Vine Lake Cemetery in Medfield. A contest was held to create the best phrase to be used as a memorial for those who died during the 1918 influenza epidemic (the Spanish Flu).

3 - HITCHCOCK INSPIRATION

To clarify the film's stylistic approach to the cast, Scorsese screened the classics "Out of the Past" (1947) and "Vertigo" (1958) for the actors and the creative team.

4 – SCORSESE WASN'T THE ORIGINAL DIRECTOR

Before Scorsese was hired to direct the film, the iconic David Fincher, director of the classic film “Se7en,” was considered for the role.

5 – A SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP

This was the sixth time Scorsese and DiCaprio worked together. Some of their films include “The Aviator” (2004), “The Departed” (2006), “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013), and “Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023).

6 – AN ANAGRAM IN THE TITLE

The film's English title, Shutter Island, is an anagram for “truth and lies” and “truths/denials.”

7 - CLASSICAL MUSIC

"Shutter Island" drew attention from experts for its soundtrack, which prominently featured classical music, such as Gustav Mahler, and modern classical music from composers like Krzysztof Penderecki, György Ligeti, and Max Richter.

8 - MURKY ATMOSPHERE

As the story progresses, the atmosphere becomes darker and rainier, reflecting the rising tension in the narrative. The sun only appears in the final scenes. This is one of many allusions to Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, who compared the subconscious to a dark and stormy cloud, in contrast to the clear skies of consciousness.

9 - EXPLAINING THE ENDING

Remembered for the enigmatic scene that closes the film, "Shutter Island" challenges our expectations at several points. The big twist occurs when we realize that the protagonist is not Edward Daniels, the federal agent sent to investigate the location. In reality, he is Andrew Laeddis, a patient who has been institutionalized for over two years after murdering his wife. Consumed by guilt, he created an alter ego to justify his presence on the island. Thus, the mystery film transforms into a deep drama, making us mourn the character's tragic fate.

When the doctors finally confront him with the truth, they explain that they are under pressure from the director. Andrew needs to "wake up" and accept his true identity, or he will be subjected to a lobotomy the following day.

The conversation seems to have worked, but the next morning, Andrew again acts as if he is the policeman. When Dr. Sheehan, whom he believed to be Chuck, sits next to him, the protagonist begins to talk about the case he is investigating.

At this moment, the psychiatrist signals to his colleagues, indicating that the treatment has failed. The protagonist's words before being taken away raise doubts for both the doctor and the viewers.

The open ending has generated theories among the audience and critics: did the treatment really fail? Or is Andrew cured but chose to continue embodying Edward? The protagonist's final words show great awareness but could just be another hallucination.

We can also believe that he remembered everything but chose to stay in the fantasy. Knowing he could no longer escape his actions and would have to "live as a monster," he seems to choose the path that will compromise his mental capacities forever. Laeta Kalogridis, the film's screenwriter, shared her opinion in an interview. In her interpretation, Andrew did not plan anything; it was just a fleeting moment of sanity that quickly disappeared.

10 - WATCHING SHUTTER ISLAND AGAIN IS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE

Rewatching "Shutter Island" can be an intriguing experience once we already know the big plot twist. We can notice that the protagonist's behaviors already suggested he was suffering from a mental disturbance. The story begins with him washing his face during the boat trip: initially, we think it is due to seasickness, but in reality, it is the withdrawal from the medication he used to take.

It also becomes clear that he experiences both visual and auditory hallucinations throughout his journey. The conversations with the doctors make this evident: they show that they have known him for some time and even comment that he has "extremely effective defense mechanisms."

The scene that stands out the most, however, is the disappearing glass of water. During the interrogation of a patient, she complains of thirst. But when she goes to drink, her hand is empty. In the next frame, the glass appears on the table.

Although many might not notice this detail, it serves as a clear signal to the viewer: one cannot fully trust their own eyes, as the story is told from the perspective of someone who is mentally unstable.

Additionally, it's interesting to observe how the protagonist avoids what he does not wish to see. Although he is obsessed with finding the 67th patient, he refuses to look at the medical file that would reveal his true identity. This suggests, unconsciously, a resistance to accepting reality.

"Shutter Island" is a film full of intriguing and subtle details that enrich the viewer's experience. The curiosities about the production, from psychological references to visual elements that challenge perception, showcase Martin Scorsese's skill in creating a complex and engaging story.

Every layer of mystery and each visual clue are meticulously crafted to deepen the plot and heighten the sense of suspense. Knowing these curiosities not only reveals the ingenuity behind the film but also allows for a deeper appreciation of its narrative and cinematic techniques.