The Departed

Please don't make negative comments like some of the aforementioned people have been doing if you haven't seen the film yet! I have seen it, at a press screening last week. Not only is it the best film of the year so far, it marks a return to form for Martin Scorsese, and ranks with the likes of GOODFELLAS as being one of the best in his canon of films.

I'm a fan of the Hong Kong film, INFERNAL AFFAIRS, upon which this is based. While THE DEPARTED keeps the basic structure of the original, it is very much its own movie, so much so that the screenwriter, William Monahan, didn't even watch the original film while adapting its screenplay, thus enabling him to infuse the script with his, and Scorsese's, respective visions.

All the actors are first-rate (yes, even Leo, for all you DiCaprio bashers out there), and turn in some of their best performances to date. THE DEPARTED is sure to garner a host of Oscar nods, if not wins, including (hopefully) Scorsese's long-overdue statuette for Best Director. Plus, with actors like Martin Sheen and Alec Baldwin playing supporting roles, that says a lot about the quality of the film they signed up for! THE DEPARTED is tough stuff, not for the faint-of-heart. That said, it is a must-see for adult viewers who long for intelligent, gritty stories to grace our movie screens once again.

The Departed

The screenplay: Top Notch

The performances: all-star cast delivering all-star performances

The music: perfect

The Directing: Martin Scorsese at his finest and that is saying something.

Once again Scorsese delivers a film that meets or exceeds the expectations of its audience in nearly every way. There are moments of incredible tension, violence, and drama, moments where characters reveal their vulnerabilities and weakness. Comedic moments and moments of sadness and through it all a multi layered and brilliant story is told by an American film maker who once again proves Harvey Keitel correct when he said, "Maybe he (Scorsese) got what he deserves--exclusion from the mediocre."

This film is Scorsese's finest work since Raging Bull, but it is not simply about Martin Scorsese or the amazing screen play by William Monahan, it is more than an amazing score, and great cinematography. While many of the accolades for this film belong to those behind the scenes people who envisioned and directed this film. One would be remiss to not point out the great performances of an all-star cast, many of whom deliver the finest performances of long and storied careers. Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon deliver incredible performances.

However the performance that stood out for me was Wahlberg, Mark Wahlberg's Sgt. Dignam stole every scene he was in, and he shared screen time with each of the afore mentioned actors. He gets to deliver some of the best lines, and with every scene he leaves the audience wanting more, and anticipating his next scene.

Since The Academy has had its collective heads stuck … for so long, mentioning a Scorsese picture and Oscar in the same sentence seems to be a waste of time. That being said I can not say if he will finally win the Oscar that he has deserved for so long, as his major competition (Flags of our Fathers) has yet to be released, I will say that I expect to see Wahlberg nominated for best supporting, and Leo and Damon will be pitted against one another once more, this time for best actor, Monahan will be nominated for writing, and of course Scorsese will be nominated for director. Also, it goes without saying a best picture nomination will be in order for The Departed.

That was the long version; the short version is if you like a movie with incredible performances, direction, music and visuals. If you like a layered story that is not formulaic, in short if you appreciate film making and story telling at its finest then see this film. Even with the glowing reviews of myself and others, and the high expectations they will undoubtedly bring I assure you that you will not be disappointed.

Martin Scorsese's "The Departed" is a brilliant tour de force that stands as one of the defining works of the crime thriller genre. With its gripping narrative, nuanced character development, and a powerhouse cast, the film weaves a complex tale of loyalty, deception, and the moral ambiguity that lies at the heart of organized crime.

Set against the gritty backdrop of Boston, "The Departed" follows two men on opposite sides of the law: Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), an undercover cop infiltrating the Irish mob, and Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a mole in the police department working for the crime boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). The dual narratives create a captivating tension as both characters struggle to maintain their identities while navigating a world filled with betrayal and danger.

Scorsese's expert direction transforms the screenplay into a visceral experience. The pacing is relentless, and the tension builds to an explosive climax that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Every scene is meticulously crafted, from the intense confrontations to the quieter, more reflective moments. The film's gritty realism is enhanced by its superb cinematography, expertly capturing the raw emotions and harsh realities faced by the characters.

Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a career-defining performance as Billy Costigan, conveying the character's internal conflict and psychological turmoil with remarkable depth. Matt Damon's portrayal of Colin Sullivan provides a fascinating contrast; he embodies the charming façade of a man torn between duty and betrayal, creating a sense of unease that permeates the film. Jack Nicholson, in his role as Frank Costello, is nothing short of magnetic, bringing an unpredictable energy to the screen that leaves an indelible impression.

The screenplay, adapted from the Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs," is sharp and layered, filled with razor-edged dialogue that resonates with the audience. Themes of duality and loyalty are expertly intertwined throughout the film, reflecting the moral complexities of good and evil, and leaving viewers questioning the nature of identity itself.

Moreover, the film is elevated by an exceptional supporting cast, including Mark Wahlberg, who delivers a standout performance as Dignam, a foul-mouthed yet insightful cop. His presence adds a layer of authenticity and humor amidst the tension, creating memorable moments that punctuate the narrative.

The film's score, featuring a mix of classic rock and haunting melodies, perfectly complements the mood and intensity of the story, enhancing the viewing experience and making each pivotal moment even more impactful.

In essence, "The Departed" is not just a crime thriller; it is a profound exploration of identity, morality, and the ever-blurring lines between good and evil. Scorsese's masterful direction, combined with stellar performances and a compelling narrative, culminates in a cinematic experience that is both exhilarating and thought-provoking. This film is a testament to the complexities of human nature, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences long after the credits roll. "The Departed" is a must-see, a film that cements Scorsese's legacy as one of the greatest directors in cinematic history.

Definitely the the type of movie that makes it worth going to the theater. Very intense action and violence, twisting plot, lot's of misdirection.

The story line is a bit overly whelming at times, this isn't a good movie to watch if you're tired and follow the action, the double crosses and the sometimes confusing who's who of the movie, but if you can just remember the basic characters the minor twists won't be too confusing.

While it's certainly not a love story, there is that element, with a bit of a morality play going the whole time.

I can't make some of the statements I'd like to make because I really try to avoid spoilers in my reviews, but I'll say that I enjoyed the movie even though had I been in charge it may have ended differently...

All that said, if you like a thriller that has some rough and tough violence and a plot with a few twists and turns this film would be one I'd recommend to you.

Nicholson, Damon, and Dicaprio make for an absolute powerhouse trio in this classic film. I have had this on my watch list for quite some time, and although it wasn't as rock solid as I was expecting, it's ending was right up my alley. Aside from the phenomenal acting and the satisfying conclusion, I was only impressed with the simplicity of which a complex double-rat story was told. I never felt lost trying to keep track of who worked for who and who was spying on who, because the filmmakers laid it out so clearly for me.