Review of The Departed (2006) by Arkham A — 01 Mar 2014
Martin Scorsese was finally awarded a long overdue Oscar for "The Departed" but it was seen as recognition for career achievement. As entertaining and well made as it is, the movie is minor Scorsese.
This is the kind of gangster movie that would be criticized as a Scorsese retread if it were made by another filmmaker. A remake of the Hong Kong gangster pic "Infernal Affairs," Scorsese sets his version in present day Boston where the cops and crooks are besieged by informants.
The movie turns into a pretzel of sorts as an undercover cop (Leonardo DiCaprio) infiltrates the mob, while a criminal (Matt Damon) infiltrates the police who are investigating the mob boss (Jack Nicholson).
Neither informant is aware of the identity of the other and the plot delves into double crosses that lead to murder. Trying to figure out these parallel story lines can be fun and Scorsese directs with his usual style but there is no personal voice at work here.
This is Scorsese as a hired hand. His usual themes of sin and redemption are ignored. The large ensemble cast is terrific. Its great to see Nicholson finally star in a Scorsese movie. Nicholson is fun to watch but he chews the scenery too much.
Leonardo DiCaprio gives one of his best performances showing the physical intensity of a young DeNiro. Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg, Alec Baldwin, Vera Farmiga, Brendan Gleeson also star. Written by William Monahan.
Won Oscars for Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Editing.
This review of The Departed (2006) was written by Arkham A on 01 Mar 2014.
The Departed has generally received very positive reviews.
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