Martin Scorsese Directs The Departed
Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Wahlberg, Matt Damon, Martin Sheen
Jun 16, 2009
The Departed is a remarkable film. Everything about it is loud-- the music, editing, acting, the tightly woven suspenseful story--each element screams out to be noticed. It's full of surprises and unconventional techniques, and it's one of Martin Scorsese's best films.
Great Actors in Juicy Roles - Leo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson
The film is full of top-name actors. The two biggest names, Jack Nicholson (playing Irish mob boss Costello) and Leonardo DiCaprio (playing undercover Billy Costigan), turn in outstanding performances. However, it's two of the supporting stars who turn in some career-topping acting: Matt Damon plays the weasel Colin, and Mark Wahlberg surprises with a hysterical and scary turn as Staff Sergeant Dignam. (Wahlberg has said in interviews since that he played his character as an amalgamation of the various officers who arrested him in his youth.)
Abrupt, In-Your-Face Editing and Music
There is a very raw, brutal quality to The Departed. You can see it in the abrupt editing, a few harsh death scenes, and the gritty character interactions. Editing is, by nature, supposed to be seamless and go unnoticed. The film instead prides itself on drawing attention to everything about itself. And yet, never once does the audience lose sight of the story. By abruptly cutting off its featured Dropkick Murphys track here and there, it stays in sync with the brutish, fast-paced action. Small touches like this bring nuance to an already complex, intriguing story.
Tight Editing, Fast-Paced Story, Non-Stop Action
It's one thing to be an expensive show-pony--even when the story is weak, Scorsese always delivers great visuals--both with cinematography and actors. Luckily, The Departed is a remarkable story as well, yet basic at heart. Corruption and the law versus generations of Mafia--and the double crosses inherent in such a system--is an old story. That's where intricately well-written characters come in, and more than a handful of expert actors give them life. Everyone involved in this project is clearly an old hand at their craft--each detail reeks of a talent that looks effortless. (To date, it stands as Scorsese's highest-grossing box both in total and opening weekend.)
Tension & Suspense Even the Next Time Around
A seemingly complex story, The Departed is not hard to follow. Easily discernable big-name actors who look nothing alike surely aid in this regard. In any case, despite a 151-minute runtime, the film never feels overly long. In fact, the pace and quick series of events make the time fly. The film is a hard R, to be sure; while not continuously violent, it has more than its fair share of gruesome events. There are easily more than a few scenes set to make you gasp, both in shock and surprise. Even the second time around, regardless of knowing the outcome, The Departed still keeps you on the edge of your seat.
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