Shutter Island, trailer 3

As fascinating as Shutter Island looks, are we beginning to understand why it might be a less likely Oscar candidate than two other major Paramount productions this season? If it becomes a classic of Gothic horror next February then its thrills will last long enough to see it nominated appropriately in 2010. If it’s simply a great time at the movies from a director who’s this time more interested in entertainment than he is in winning another Oscar, then aren’t we glad that Shutter Island won’t be wrung out through the awards spin-cycle this year? The novel is an homage to mid-century noir with splashes of grand guignol and the screenplay is faithful to that vision. This material was never going to be Double Indemnity. It’s The Spiral Staircase to Shock Corridor, and proud of it. I can’t wait — but I don’t mind waiting.