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In
the picture
The Departed*****
*ing: Jack Nicholsan, Leonardo Di Caprio, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg,
Alec Baldwin and Martin Sheen
Directed
by Martin Scorsese
Tagline: Cops or Criminals. When you're facing a loaded gun, what's
the difference? |
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It's
hard-hitting, it's brutal, it is The Departed – a snarling monster
that turns a crime drama, a cat and mouse chase into a masterpiece
with absolutely fantastic, incredible and riveting performances and
grueling, gruesome violence. In the battle between organized crime
and the good old dedicated cop, it reestablishes the brilliance of
its cast and director. Will it pick up a couple of Oscars? Unlikely,
as it's too bloody and too realistically graphic. But it is one of
those films that stretch violence and brutality to the max without
losing control over content.
A remake of Siu Fai Mak's 2002 thriller, Internal Affairs, The Departed
brings to life a story that has been told before but it works brilliantly
because of its execution and actors.
The key players are Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), an Irish mob
kingpin – feared by all, hated by most, envied by others. A
man who has a |
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| wildness
to him, he is brutal to the point of insanity. He is a killer who
really has no conscience – who recruits a young boy and sends
him off to the police academy. That boy grows up to be the ever-deceptive,
Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon). Then there is Billy (Leo Di Caprio),
a loner who also becomes a cop and as luck would have it, he infiltrates
Frank's world of crime. Two moles with two different missions: one
controlled by Frank and the other standing against him. The result,
The Departed. |
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The story line sounds simple enough. Someone infiltrates the CIA,
LAPD, and NYPD…the list is endless. But The Departed is unlike
any previous flick because it is an actor's platform. It is a cinematographer's
exam and it is Martin Scorsese's return to crime drama. It's his unpretentious,
realistic, gripping affair with the saga of cops and crime and it
sweeps you in, whether you like it or not.
Visually, The Departed is slick as hell. Every scene has a conviction
to it that can't be overturned. The scene where both Colin and Billy
look for each other is brilliant. When Costello walks into a diner,
it's captured just as brilliantly as it is written and performed.
From start to end, this is a slick flick.
But the best part about the film is its actors. Jack Nicholson shines
once again. Vindictive, feared, he is a man of many shades, one who
you're afraid to see. It's not a film about him, he supports the cast
but his presence is powerful, showcasing a cold demeanour that frightens.
In the opening lines of the film as he says, "I don't want to
be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product
of me," you realize what a strong shadow he casts on the film.
And if Nicholson brings out an effortlessly riveting performance,
Leonardo Di Caprio shines like a blood diamond. This is his best film
to date, it beats The Aviator and makes Titanic look like child's
play.
Leo, despite being a great actor has always been treated as a movie
star. His looks have always been boyish, and this vulnerability actually
makes Billy the most lovable, fascinating and edgy character. As Billy,
Leo is awesome. He is torn; morally he wants to do the right thing
but realistically, it's suicidal. Costello is capable of mean, dirty
street crime that no cop can stop. Billy is edgy, shaking at times,
beaten at others, always on the hunt, fearful of the deeds he is assigned
to. However, Leo deserves the Globe, the Emmy and the Oscar. And perhaps
even a Bafta.
This certainly does not mean that Matt Damon should be ignored. Damon,
over the years, has learned the fine art of deception, at least when
it comes to films. From The Talented Mr. Ripley's obsession to the
cheater in Ocean's Eleven and the amnesiac Bourne, he has certainly
come far. But it is this film that really makes one take notice of
the actor. Colin is a man who is deceptive, someone who calculates
every risk, cunning all the way and a man who will protect himself
above anything. His is also an edgy character but for very different
reasons. Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin and Mark Wahlberg – all
three do awesome work as supporting members.
Scorsese in the past few years has been doing other things. The Aviator,
Gangs of New York, and documentaries on Bob Dylan and even Michael
Jackson but with The Departed he returns to his true niche. Enough
with the Oscar fervour and its shenanigans, this is Marty at his vindictive
best and it rocks.
Long after it departs, the film lingers on and makes you think of
a society rotting from the inside, gnarling and twisting in the mean
streets of Boston. The Departed is a must see film but it should be
said that if you can't take bloody, bloody Costello than it's not
for you.
--Maheen Sabeeh *YUCK
**WHATEVER
***GOOD
****SUPER
*****AWESOME
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