Shutter Island, the upcoming adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s 2003 novel from Martin Scorcese, has been pushed back to a 19 February 2010 release.
The move comes as a surprise to many, who expected the film, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a US Marshall sent to a psychiatric hospital to investigate the escape of a patient, to be a serious Oscar contender for the 2009 awards. Paramount apparently expects the same of it, but hasn’t got the financial liquidity to stump up the $50-60 million needed for its marketing budget, according to Nikki Finke. Her original article also quotes Paramount chief Brad Grey as saying. “Leonardo DiCaprio is among the most talented actors working today and Martin Scorsese is not just one of the world’s most significant filmmakers, but also a personal friend. Following a highly successful 2009, we have every confidence that Shutter Island is a great anchor to lead off our 2010 slate and the shift in date is the best decision for the film, the studio and ultimately Viacom.”
DiCaprio and Scorcese have had a fruitful partnership over the last few years, with Shutter Island being the fourth film that have collaborated on. Previous films include Gangs Of New York, The Departed and The Aviator, all of which have either won or been heavily nominated for the Academy Awards.
Shutter Island also stars Mark Ruffalo, Jackie Earle Haley and Ben Kingsley.
