Okay, I may be one of the few people out there who would prefer to see The Crazies over Shutter Island… and here’s why…
Though I enjoy the majority of Scorsese’s films, this one seems to lack in comparison to his more notables. I dig a good super-natural, suspense flick, but based on the trailers and “hype” that has been built up, I just picture myself walking out of the theater disappointed. DiCaprio is a good actor, but not a great one (ie. I DO NOT buy his Massachusetts accent — sounds forced). But Scorsese loves him, and as a director, when you build a relationship with an actor who you feel can embody most characters accurately, you hesitate to think outside the box. I’m sure there are moments in Shutter Island that would genuinely entertain me, but if anything, I’ll probably wait to add this one to my Netflix queue.
I anticipate The Crazies being more up my alley. First off, I have enjoyed Timothy Olyphant’s work in previous films (thought he was excellent in Hitman). Secondly, any suspense/horror film that takes place in a “small, quiet town” (or any desolate area for that matter) will be more frightening. I suppose it’s the lack of authorities, places to hide, phones not working, inability to notify outside resources, etc. (think movies like 28 Days Later, 30 Days of Night, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre). The characters are forced to rely on “trusted” friends, yet at the same time, ALL of them are still in a position where it’s every man for themselves. Naturally, Shutter Island offers a similar scenario in this regard (DiCaprio and Ruffalo stuck on an island where the only “population” is that of the criminally insane), but for some reason, the environment and cinematography doesn’t offer the same creatively filmed/lower-budget scare tactics that I know and love. Naturally, there are exceptions to my “rule,” but I’m an organic snob when it comes to this stuff.