| Movie Review: “The Departed" |
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| Written by Bob Ward | |
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Two spies are locked in a deadly game of cat and mouse, both constantly predator and prey, as they slowly circle in on each other their loyalties will be tested, and we will see just how far each man is willing to go. “The Departed" is a story about a mafia spy in the Staties (Boston State Police) undercover division. It is also the story of an undercover officer from the same unit undercover in Crime Boss Frank Costello’s outfit. Very early in the film, both men figure out that there is a spy in their organization, and both men know that the consequences if they fail to find the mole are deadly. The story takes many twists and turns before the end, and I promise you won’t know how the film ends until it hits you in the face like a cement truck with a drunk behind the wheel. I have to say, that though the plot was compelling, my favorite part of this movie has to be its very unique storytelling style. It’s hard to argue the fact that Martin Scorsese is a good filmmaker. Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Taxi Driver all come to mind when one thinks of his name. Well, from now on, “The Departed" will join company with these excellent films, even without Robert DeNiro. This film is also unique among Scorsese’s work. Most of the time, his talent lies in extracting extraordinary performances from even the most mundane actors, not to mention what he can get from an already extraordinary actor like DeNiro. While this is certainly true in “The Departed" as well, the standout feature of this film that makes it excellent is, as I said, it’s storytelling style. There isn’t a fade-in, or wipe to be had in this film, from beginning to end its one jump-cut after another. When I say jump, I mean jump, the film jumps around from one story to another, from one scene to the next, from one mood to a completely different one. The result is that you are left with a sense of disorientation and almost confusion about the film. The rough cuts and jumps also help to really place you in with the two main characters and their double lives which require them to constantly be two different people. Now to move on to the very very good acting in the film. I have to say my favorite actor in the film, falls into a somewhat minor role as the Staff Sargent Dignam. Mark Whalberg plays this role to perfection. He is rough, mean, and abrasive, but ultimately still portrays the raw passion and heart that Sergant Dignam has for the police force, his fellow officers, and fighting crime. Not to be ignored, is the excellent performance of Leonardo DiCaprio as the new police recruit, turned jaded rough undercover Billy Costigan. The transformation of his character as he descends deeper and deeper into the world of organized crime is nothing short of amazing. Jack Nicholson plays the crime boss Frank Costello to perfection, though the character had a little too much Joker and I felt my mind wandering back to Batman on occasion. If there was a weak link in this cast, it would have to be Matt Daemon. Normally I’m a fan of his, but this time he just didn’t impress me. I’m not saying his performance was bad, but when placed up against the powerhouse performances given by the other actors in the film, it just didn’t measure up. The other actors in the film are all good, Martin Sheen does well as the police superior Oliver Queenan, and Alec Baldwin contributes to the film in no small way. The writing in this film is another aspect to be lauded. The duologue in the film is very will written, and there were very few lines that felt awkward or out of place. Billy Costigan’s lines in the film are by far the best. His descent into paranoia, drug use, and fear are all perfectly written, and then perfectly executed. The film was very satisfying, the ending will leave you in shock, but it’s a good kind of shock. In short, see this film, see it today, or tomorrow if you have to wait. I’ve already seen it, and I’m already planning on buying the DVD the day it comes out. |
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