The Departed DiCaprio Scorsese Film Review
When you mention the name Martin Scorsese, you are almost guaranteed to get attention. Now, add the names Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, Alec Baldwin, and Martin Sheen. Got your attention now?
The latest Scorsese film, “The Departed,” is set in South Boston where an undercover rookie-cop named Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) has infiltrated the Irish Mob headed up by Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). Costigan’s anti-thesis is Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a rising star in the Massachusetts State Police Department, who has most recently been promoted to the Special Investigations Unit, which is working towards nailing Costello.
However, the most interesting detail about Sullivan is the fact that he is actually a mole working for Costello. While Costigan and Sullivan grow deeper and deeper into their roles within the mob and the state police, the fact that a rat exists comes to the surface within both organizations and they must race against time and each other to ensure their own identity.
(Warner Bros.)
“The Departed” is a thrill-ride throughout with a script that keeps the audience guessing at every turn. In addition, the whit and charm of the dialogues make sure there are grins and laughter amidst the drama on screen, most specifically with the characters Sergeant Dignam and Captain Ellerby, played by Mark Wahlberg and Alec Baldwin.
Performances by this A-listed ensemble cast are exceptional, with Jack Nicholson and Leonardo DiCaprio topping all. Nicholson takes over the character Costello, making the role his own. The audience is completely absorbed by him, and there are no fine lines that hide the true evil that he symbolizes, something that Nicholson pushes towards the forefront.
DiCaprio equally brings his best performance yet in film and the true highlight of “The Departed” is reflected across the many moments when both are on-screen together.
Outside of the performances by Nicholson, DiCaprio, Damon, and the ensemble cast, “The Departed” fails to put a good cap on the story at the end of the film. The movie begins as a great film, hits half and three-quarters-way great, and closes … well, not so great. The ending seems somewhat forced and instead of having a natural progression, the non-rhythmic aspect of the ending leaves gaps where emotion is meant to be felt. Nonetheless with names at the top of the bill like Scorsese, Nicholson, DiCaprio, and Damon, and outstanding performances all around, “The Departed” is certainly worth seeing.