The Cinematography of Shutter Island (2010)

In Martin Scorsese’s 2010 drama, Shutter Island, the story of an ex U.S. Marshal, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, is told through the use of a very noticeable filming style. I found that the filming style and choice created not only a specific feeling for the location of the movie but also created a character that as an audience member I was able to feel. When looking at the actual location of the film, a small island inhabited by a high security mental institution, there is a very specific mood created by the way in which the island is presented. Most of the shots of the location, and specifically when DiCaprio’s character is “introduced” to the island, are done in a very wide angle are usually high angle shots which create a feeling of loneliness and an unnerving feeling of sterilized life.

The way in which DiCaprio’s character is presented also creates a specific mood or feeling. In the beginning of the film most of the shots of DiCaprio are close ups or medium close ups and are usually low angle shots. This creates an idea of strength and reasoning possessed by this character over the rest of the characters in the film. As we begin to recognize the psychological problem that DiCaprio’s character has the angles and shots begin to shift and we find more shots of DiCaprio circulating around the character and shooting him from a high angle. This creates a mood or feeling of mental unstableness and unease in the character. In these two instances, with the presentation of the location and the main character throughout the film, the Director of Photography along with the Director of the film are able to create mood or feeling through their camera work.