Departed Review

So last night I got to catch a pre-screening of “The Departed”. Here’s my review:

I’m just going to say it, and get it out of the way. This is Martin Scorsese’s best film in 10-15 years. This is classic Scorsese.

I know the Lodge has a particular affinity towards “Infernal Affairs” and re-making it may sound like blasphemy. I’m a firm believer that if you walk into any re-make with that mentality you’re wasting your time, because you will never be able to truly appreciate the film. If you’re heart is set on the original, don’t bother seeing this. If not...

SEE THIS MOVIE AS SOON AS IT COMES OUT!

As soon as the film begins, you know you’re in for an old school Scorsese experience. The film opens up with a trademark tracking shot to the tune of “Gimmie Shelter” by the Rolling Stones (A track he used in Casino & Goodfellas) as Jack Nicholson spews out a monologue made of delicious evil.

For those who don’t know, the film is about a cop who has infiltrated the Irish mafia, and a gangster infiltrates the police force. Both are given the task of figuring out who’s the cop and who’s the rat.

The acting in this movie is so good, I’m just gonna break it down:

Matt Damon & Leonardo DiCaprio

Both of these guys do a great job. Damon has a constant cockiness, and it’s easy to see how he was able to rise in the ranks in the police squad. He appears to do his job well, and he talks a big game.

I was really impressed with DiCaprio. This is one of my favorite performances from him, possible ever. He just looks damaged, and is able to switch from cool, confident and manipulative to vulnerable in the blink of an eye.

Jack Nicholson
Fan-@#$%ing-tastic. One of the best mob bosses I’ve ever seen in a movie. He’s nothing like your stereotypical mob boss. He drives around in crappy cars, wears tacky suits that don’t always match, and is a little neurotic. But at the same time he is a truly mean and sadistic S.O.B. He’s the kind of guy that would rip out Tony Soprano’s spleen with his bare hands. You really can’t take your eyes off of him.

Mark Wahlberg & Alec Baldwin
Talk about the surprises of the movie:

Mark Wahlberg plays one of the only cops who actually knows that DiCaprio is an undercover cop. He really is the ultimate pr*ck. At first you kinda hate him, but within just a couple of minutes he became one of my favorite characters. He hasn’t been this good since “Boogie Nights”.

Alec Baldwin plays Matt Damon’s cop boss. He’s almost more of the comedic relief in the movie, but don’t take that as meaning he plays a light hearted role. He’s just kinda crazy. He has one particular monologue in the film that probably had the biggest laughs in the whole movie.

Violence/Script/Etc

The violence in the film is sudden, brutal and realistic as hell. Every punch looks like it hurts like hell. And nothing is glorified.

I have to give a shout out to William Monhan. The guy’s only previous writing credit was the so-so “Kingdom of Heaven”, but the adaptation job he does here is admirable. The dialogue is good, the story is tense and well woven, and the characters feel well laid out.

After 30+ years of Martin Scorses films, you’ve probably already decided if you like his films of not. If you do, you are in for a treat. This is without a doubt one of my favorite films from him. If you’re not so hot on him...well, the performances are still amazing, but this may not be your cup ‘o tea.