Customer Reviews

The Departed (Two-Disc Special Edition)

5 star:		(163)
4 star:		(66)
3 star:		(26)
2 star:		(23)
1 star:		(25)

 

 

I read some of the other reviews, and I'm frustrated that so many people are finding a problem with Martin Scorcese's sensibilities in adapting a Hong Kong -set thriller to an American venue, using his legendary experience to create a very American "original". I was immensely entertained, baffled at all the intended times, intrigued at the appropriate times, and thoroughly blown away with the remarkable ending. Others have blabbed away plot-points, and I'm glad I didn't read those reviews before I saw the film. There's no doubt that Scorcese is deserving of Oscar recognition, and trying to make comparisons to his other films doesn't fly with me. This was a brutal display of some very mean people, but not as gory as "Goodfellas", not as character driven as "Raging Bull" and not as gritty as "Taxi Driver". It WAS, however, a terrific plot-driven narrative, and Mr. Scorcese should be applauded for taking this very complicated story, where each character is constantly affecting the others, and making it coherent. Nicholson was, indeed, playing a familiar version of Nicholson, so it was a natural choice in casting but no stretch for the great Jack. The 2-disc DVD is fine, with ample interviews with Mr. Scorcese, and other interesting stuff, especially about Bulgar, the guy after which Nicholson's character was based. Very glad I made the investment. BTW: The sextet from "Lucia di Lammermoor" is by Donizetti, not Puccini. UPDATE: 2-26-07: I'm glad it won the Oscar.

Based on the Hong Kong thriller, "Infernal Affairs" (2002), Martin Scorsese's "The Departed" is a shotgun blast to the pandering cinema that has afflicted the American screen of late. Scorsese has returned to the urban crime-drama genre that he helped to make famous with "Mean Streets" (1973) and "Goodfellas" (1990).

Scorsese, a consummate auteur, shares many thematic interests with his screenwriter, William Monahan. A Boston police officer, William Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), goes undercover in the local mob with the hope that he may purge himself of his family's criminal history (redemption and honor being major themes in Scorsese's films, such as "Gangs of New York"). Costigan's job is to provide enough evidence to allow the police to apprehend the head mobster, the lurid and merciless Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). Costello has infiltrated the police force with a mole of his own, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), who Costello has been grooming since childhood (corruption being another important theme for Scorsese, see "Goodfellas"). Each of the moles quickly becomes aware of the other's presence, and they both realize that if either is going to survive, he must quickly find his opponent.

Monahan lathers his screenplay with the most vulgar language this side of Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction." Supporting actors Alec Baldwin and Mark Wahlberg, who both play upper level officers, deliver deliciously profane dialogue with side-splitting ease and authority. Matt Damon infuses the antagonistic Sullivan with poise, sophistication, and charisma. Leonardo DiCaprio's protagonist is conversely something of a blunt and unstable instrument. DiCaprio's work recalls that of James Dean, as he plays a frazzled young man waging war with the world and within himself. Surprisingly, screen legend Jack Nicholson is something of a weak link in the cast. He uses his trademark mixture of charisma and menace in a familiar and admittedly somewhat goofy portrayal of villainy.

The real star of the film is Scorsese. Taking a cue from an early exchange between Wahlberg's character and Costigan - "What's the matter don't you know any Shakespeare?" - Scorsese's presents the film as though it were one of the playwright's tragedies. Tragic and comedic tones are expertly juxtaposed. Music, be it classic rock or Howard Shore's score, is ever present. The Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" is used to great effect during the film's opening. It acts as a harbinger of things to come. Violence is explosive and brutal. Michael Ballhaus' lighting is atmospheric and exaggerated. Note a scene in Sullivan's office where a bizarre light effect casts an X across the wall (Scorsese litters the mise en scène with X's, both as an homage to Howard Hawks's "Scarface" and a visual representation of Sullivan and Cositgan's duality). Relentless camera movement and Thelma Schoonmaker's jump cuts further give rise to a sense of nerve-jangling tension.

Under Scorsese' own admission, "The Departed" is his first attempt at a film with a plot. On paper, the film does indeed represent one of his more traditional, studio-friendly ventures. He is working with a very bankable cast and a three-act narrative (most of his films have been more concerned with character studies than a archetypal stroyline). Despite the creative limitations that may be associated with a more commercial project, Scorsese is more than able to elicit his own passions. "The Departed" is a fierce, raucous entertainment that is not to be missed.

This movie is a masterpiece. From the openening scene this movie takes you by the throat with both hands and doesn't let go. Its all there like it never left - Scorceses use of tracking shots and slow mo sequences take you back to the movies that made this man great. His use and arrangement of recorded music on his soundtracks is without peer. Scorcese has put together what is arguably one the best casts in movie history.. at least since Goodfellas. Every actor in this movie finds time to chew the scenery without going over the top Pacino style which is a testament to Scorcese and his directing skills. This is a man who got Paul Newman his 1st elusive Oscar and let Joe Pesci run amok in Goodfellas in what is one of the all time great mafia hood portrayals. All thats left is the icing on the cake - this movie should clean house at the Oscars. For those that disagree I suggest a blanket party with a pillowcase full of Raging Bull and Taxi Driver VHS tapes to knock yourself back into coherence.

I wanted to like this film. Before bashing me for having bad taste, keep in mind that Goodfellas is one of my all time favorite films. This movie was fantastic up until the end. Every character (which are mostly unlikable) SOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!! was killed off needlessly at the end. Could someone please write a comment as to why it was necessary, then I may edit my review to 4 stars.

The moment the movie opens with a voice over from Jack Nicholson, "I don't want to be a product of my environment, I want my environment to be a product of me", and the Stones' "Gimme Shelter" comes blaring on the speakers, I knew I was in for a treat. Make no mistake, this is a movie of Scorsesean proportions, who continues to prove that he is eons ahead of the majority of people in Hollywood who claim to be directors. Having thoroughly enjoyed the Hong Kong movie from which this was based on, Infernal Affairs (or Mou Gaan Dou, as my friends call it), my expectation for The Departed was through the roof. Never one to disappoint, Scorsese expands the canvas that this movie was based on, breathing life to the characters, delving deeper into human emotions of not only the two leads, but those around them...and he has painted his masterpiece. I can safely say, this movie elevates movie making to the next level, surpassing some of Scorsese's earlier classics, The Goodfellas and Casino.

The story is brilliant in it's simplicity. The Irish mob in South Boston is headed by the ruthless, Frank Costello. Always one step behind him, lurking in the shadows is Detective Queenan who is dead set to apprehand Costello by whatever means necessary. Colin Sullivan is picked by Costello to enter the Massachusetts Police Academy as a cadet, and he eventually rises to the rank of detective in the Special Investigation Unit, and is Costello's eyes and ears in the police. By a cruel twist of irony, Detective Queenan has the same idea and sends rookie Billy Costigan, who has ties to the Mafia family, to infiltrate the Irish mob and report Costello's activities to the police. Things go as planned until both parties realize they have a mole amongst them. A cat and mouse game begins, to uncover who the mole is. The difference between this movie and the many out there, is that both groups consist of intelligent people constantly out-thinking one another. They match wits, and there are many exhilirating moments in the movie, where you're not sure who's going to win.

Personally, what I really liked about The Departed is the moral implications this movie questions. Colin Sullivan and Billy Costigan are two people thrown into two complete different environments. Sullivan thrives in the new environment. He advances very fast, and is even contemplating starting a life with Madolyn, a phsyciatrist he met. Costigan however, is trapped in what he has been trying to escape his entire life. When he is with the mob, he shows no fear and has an air of bravado about him. But inside, you see a tortured man. He resents the kind of person he has become, to see the things that he has seen, to do the things that he does. Which brings me to my next point, put in that position on a long enough timeline, do you become that person? Do you become another person than what you set out to be? Towards the end of the movie, it is clear that this is no longer a battle between good and evil, right or wrong...it is about identity, knowing who you are, or who you want to be. This, to me is the epitome of great film making, movies that not only entertains, but challenges you to think.

Of course, conveying or strengthening this message is no easy feat, but this is where the acting comes to play, and I cannot think of a cast more talented than what Scorsese has reeled in here. Leading the pack is Leonardo DiCaprio playing Billy Costigan. I have stated time and time again, he is one of the brilliant actors of our time. Costigan is a violent man, yet he has a vulnerability accentuated when he is alone or with his phsyciatrist, Madolyn. Playing a bad guy is not easy, and you can see his decision weighing down on him. Exceptionally portayed by DiCaprio. Matt Damon plays Colin Sullivan like the two-headed snake that he is. Sullivan is not a decent man, you can practically see the wheels turning in his head, concorting his next deception. Even when the odds are against him, he comes up with a plan or a lie. And the role of Frank Costello seems custom made for Jack Nicholson. Playing a crazed, demented, sarcastic old man is nothing new for Nicholson, but unlike his many other movies, here he doesn't go overboard with it. He keeps it at bay and makes calculated risks. Costello has the attitude that provokes fear and Jack Nicholson easily manages to do just that. Supporting these fine actors are excellent performances from Martin Sheen, Mark Walhberg, Alex Baldwin and Vera Farmiga. Mark Walhberg especially is in fine form. Not since "Boogie Nights", have I seen such a splendid performance from him.

Another thing that impresses me about the movie is the way the story unfolds and the cinematography. In true Scorsesean style, the script is peppered with trademark scenes that stick in your mind. The camera shots were marvelous and sets the tone for the movie. The violence is gritty and real. No excessive and unnecessary sound effects here. And there are humorous moments in the movie which actually works in favour to some of the scenes. I have watched this movie 4 times and like an onion, there are layers that upon peeling, you find new appreciation for. Another noteworthy aspect of The Departed is the music selection, handpicked by Scorsese himself. It's a throwback to the glory years of rock with The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, John Lennon and The Allman Brothers. It blends perfectly with the movie and definitely adds to the cool factor, if anything else.

This movie has already been nominated for a slew of awards and who knows, Marty might finally win the Oscar that has so far eluded him all these years. This movie might not be for everyone, but I can assure you, if you're looking for an intelligent movie that not only entertains but leaves you thinking, a movie with unrivalled performances from it's star-studded cast, look no further...this is it. Leave it to Scorsese to take an already excellent movie and lift it up to dizzying heights in what I feel is a true representation of a modern day crime classic, The Departed. Definitely a step forward in America cinema, highly recommended!

Critics have been busy comparing "The Departed," Martin Scorsese's superb new crime drama, with his earlier movies, particularly "GoodFellas." Personally, I think a more interesting point of comparison is with "Mystic River," Clint Eastwood's Oscar-winning drama of a few years ago, which like "The Departed" is set among Irish cops and mobsters in South Boston. Scorsese's film is more kinetic, Eastwood's more deliberative; Scorsese gives us a little taste of vicarious revenge at the end, whereas Eastwood leaves our guts ripped out by a monstrous, unavenged injustice. (As a general rule, Scorsese believes that what goes around comes around; Eastwood believes that violence begets violence, which is not the same thing at all.) After watching both movies, however, you'd be justified in thinking that being an Irishman from Southie is the harshest and most inexorable of fates. Certainly Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), both born under the shadow of mob kingpin Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), had little choice in their circumstances. But, as Scorsese shows us, it's the choices they make as grown men that make all the difference. In William Monahan's brilliant screenplay (based on the Hong Kong-made thriller "Infernal Affairs"), Costigan is recruited straight out of the academy by fatherly Capt. Queenan (Martin Sheen) and feral Sgt. Dignam (Mark Wahlberg) to cop to a trumped-up charge of assault, go to jail, pretend to lose his badge, and infiltrate Costello's gang as one of his leg-breakers. What Queenan and Dignam don't know, however, is that Costello has bred Sullivan from childhood to go through the police academy, become a detective with an impeccable service record, and serve as Costello's mole in the Boston PD. From there the story becomes a wildly compelling rollercoaster ride, filled with multiple double-crosses, frequent savage violence, and at the end a body count rivaling any Elizabethan revenge tragedy. What keeps it from being unbearably depressing is the brilliant if highly profane dialogue; Scorsese's usual brilliant technique, almost arrogant in its perfect mastery of varying styles, aided superbly by photographer Michael Ballhaus and editor Thelma Schoonmaker; and the extraordinary ensemble cast, truly one of the finest assembled for any movie in the past decade. There are welcome, if shocking, flashes of humor, thanks largely to Nicholson, the greatest living expert in gleeful screen sadism. (To see Nicholson's Costello delicately remove the gold wedding ring from a severed hand is to learn a whole new definition of the word "aplomb.") Nicholson and DiCaprio, his gaze so intense that it almost melts the celluloid, dominate the film, but one must also acknowledge the excellent contributions of Damon (more hissable even than in "The Talented Mr. Ripley"), Sheen, Wahlberg, Ray Winstone as Nicholson's right-hand man, Alec Baldwin as Damon's clueless superior in the PD, and Vera Farmiga as the police psychiatrist who falls for both Damon and DiCaprio. Don't expect to feel happy after you've seen this movie, and don't expect every loose end to be tied. But do expect to leave the theater exhilarated at having seen the most satisfying movie in years by one of the world's greatest filmmakers.

"Martin Scorsese's "The Departed," a crime drama of thrilling breadth and intensity, takes place within Boston's city limits, seems to have been made in a state of exultation, and holds you captive in a state of delight. Yes, the director has been working and reworking variations on the genre, sometimes to the point of possessiveness, ever since his "Mean Streets" electrified the film world more than three decades ago. Here, though, his mastery is complete. This is the movie that Scorsese fans have been yearning to see for a very long time, and it's a crowd-pleaser in the bargain." Joe Morgenstern

Whitey Bulger,is the second most wanted man on the FBI's Most Wanted List, and he is from Boston. (Osama is first).Whitey is a real man and is still on the loose. His characater is played as Frank Costello, Nicholson's character, as the crime boss most wanted, most ruthless and most deadly in Boston and namely, Southie. Nicholson plays this man with a sneer and a look that will cut you dead. Matt Damon, plays Colin, the young man given groceries and money as a child and is indebted to Costello. He is now a Massachusetts State Police Detective and informer for Costello. Leonardo DiCaprio, Billy Costigan, who steals this movie IMO, is a man from Southie. A good cop who works with Costello but informs on him to the police. A raw show that is so ingrained in the misery of crime, drugs and death in Boston that it is palpable on screen. Two young men trying to find their way in life, and both involved with the same ruthless gangster and the same woman. Both love the psychologist to the police. This may be the weakest part of the movie, but Vera Farmgia saves the role with her beauty and her acting. She makes Madolyn believable. There is superb acting in this film, there are characters a plenty who deserve every prize.

Howard Shore's score, provides a unique arrangement of the Stones, John Lennon, Nas, the Beach Boys and Patsy Cline. Van Morrison and Roger Waters sing 'Comfortably Numb' and it is one of the highlights of the score. Howard Shore has provided one of the most innovative scores to date.

"Issues of sin, redemption, identity and loyalty resonate in Scorsese's films, including the atypical Kundun, Age of Innocence and The Aviator. Each new film absorbs the others, creating a body of work that can stand with the greatest. Scorsese tops the list of American directors because, even when he fails, he strives passionately to make movies that matter. The Departed, a defiantly uncompromised vision of a society rotting from the inside, is one of his best. Act accordingly." Peter Travers

'The Departed's the movie of the year, IMO. The acting superb, direction undaunted, cinematography and the music score equal to none. Leonardo DiCaprio should have the Oscar for this movie,but he was nominated for 'Blood Diamond' instead. Martin Scorsese has the Oscar on his mantelpiece.
Highly, Highly Recommended. prisrob 2-15-07

Every time Martin Scorsese releases a new picture, the Oscar talk begins. Obviously, the world waits breathlessly for the next "Taxi Driver" or "Raging Bull" or "Goodfellas"--but it's not easy to craft a film of such enduring appeal. "The Aviator," his last Best Picture nominee, is a handsome biopic bolstered by good performances--but hardly elicits the same passion as the Scorsese classics. And "Gangs of New York," the nominee prior to that, is a genuinely muddled mess led by a terrific performance by Daniel Day Lewis. So that you may calibrate this review, I'm going to say it right now--in no way did "Gangs of New York" deserve to be among the top five films of it's year.

"The Departed" is this year's candidate, and I have no doubt it will receive many accolades from the Academy. It's a vastly entertaining tale based on Hong Kong's "Infernal Affairs." I don't know that I consider it to be among Scorsese's best work--but it certainly brings back a life and passion absent from some of his recent efforts. Brasher and more viscerally exciting than "The Aviator," more coherent and intelligent than "Gangs of New York"--"The Departed" does remind you of the pictures made on the mean streets of Scorsese's earlier classics. And while the film is abundantly entertaining, thrilling and twisty--it is not without flaws either.

First, the good. It's a terrific plot well executed--complicated and morally ambiguous. You can't help but be impressed with the layer upon layer of complexity as our characters live in worlds that are based on lies. How do you maintain the essence of yourself when you exist in a state of pretense? How to you survive and thrive when one mistake could mean your life? There are knotty ethical issues to be wrestled with throughout the picture--a lot more for the viewer to think about and contemplate than in your traditional action fare.

Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio give fully realized, dynamic performances. It may be a career high for both actors--I appreciated their immersion into these men. They are bold and challenging portraits of two people trapped within situations that now define them. Free choice is limited and you can't play by the rules. Ruthlessness and dishonesty become necessary to survive--their lives parallel beautifully even though they are at odds. Nice characterizations from Mark Wahlberg and Martin Sheen are highlights as well. Wahlberg, in particular, has rarely been so alive on the screen.

One element in the film that has been debated is Jack Nicholson's performance, however. Either you think it is a brilliant Jack Nicholson role or you wish for a little more restraint. Well, I almost always wish for some restraint with modern Nicholson (aside form the nice nuanced role in "About Schmidt")--but here, his over-the-top portrait actually serves the film well. I enjoyed his antics and it worked as a suitable counterpoint to the younger performers.

The one element of the film I really struggled with, however, is the female character. Played by Vera Farmiga--she is more of a plot convenience than a real asset to the film. Awkwardly and unbelievably positioned between Damon and DiCaprio, she does little to heighten the drama. It's a huge suspension of belief to put her into the middle of things--and with only an unnecessary romantic subplot to show for it, it just isn't worth it. It's not Farmiga's fault, but the film came to a screeching halt every time she entered into it (especially her absurd doctor/patient interactions with DiCaprio).

I definitely recommend "The Departed." Close to a great film, it's deliriously entertaining. KGHarris, 11/06.

While the story itself was intriguing and the actors great (many of my favorites) I was very disturbed by the "extremely graphic violent" content of this movie; it seems to me though given the nature of the main character and his associates in this story and although true; the producers could have used some level of discretion in the amount of "graphic violence" when portraying the events that took place--leave something to the viewers imagination so as not to ruin the experience. Frankly, it was difficult to sit through the entire movie just due to the graphic extent of the violence deplicted. You don't need to draw adults a graphic picture in such detail to get the point across and still maintain a good production. Otherwise, this movie would have ranked a "5" for the story itself. WAKE UP HOLLYWOOD!
and WAKE UP AMERICA!
The Departed (Two-Disc Special Edition)

By now, you must know how amazing The Departed is and how many awards its piled up since it was release. So I won't bore you with what you already know. Rather, I'll tell you how disappointing the extra features were. For example, the 9 deleted features run from seconds to a few minutes long and after viewing them, you'd wish you never saw them. It's pretty clear why they were cut out, as the movie was already running quite long and these scenes proved unworthy of being included in the film. The other features including the short documentary about the inspiration behind Jack Nicholson's Frank Costello were not very refreshing either. My honest opinion is... save the extra 5 bucks and get the one disk version.