Film Reviews by None

The plot held a lot of promise with 2 scientists creating a creature made up of a mish-mash of DNA. What have they made? Can they control it? What are the social consequences? The presence of Adrien Brody heightened my expectations somewhat (he being 'The Pianist').

I have enjoyed previous films of similar ilk: the 'Alien' series, 'Gattaca' and "Species". However, I was very disappointed. Initially I was quite excited to see a portrayal of geeky scientists (true to my experience), but then found myself disappointed and slightly cringing at obvious flaws, e.g. the creature they have created had originally 3 fingers and later develops 5. Also, what happened to the nasal spikes (seen in the child-monster but not in the adult).

The storyline is wobbly with the creation of a miracle protein which only takes a few hours to make (hmmm!). And there being a handy ovum ready for insemination with the hybrid DNA. The film is also rather sexist, associating a male creature with aggression and a female creature with being passive and wanting to look pretty. Hmmmm.

It was sad to see a film commencing with a scientific edge descending into a mishmash of unrealistic predictability. Fire your agent Mr Brody.

The pace, lighting and plot are gripping as Leonardo investigates the strange case of a missing patient in a secure unit on Shutter Island. How can a person disappear with the security systems being in place and on an isolated island? Everything appears to conspire against Leonardo finding out the truth. His paranoia is pervading. We were on the edge of our seats until the last minute. Brilliant performances by Leonardo and Kingsley. A haunting film which raises issues about mental health (e.g. at what extent are patients classified as mentally insane untrustworthy, is insanity a coping mechanism, what social support systems available to help patients with mental issues). I found this film moving, though-provoking and haunting. Brilliant- one of the best I have seen for 2010.