The Departed

Plot

William Costigan is from the wrong side of the tracks, but has risen from the past of his family, and gotten through to the State Police in the Boston Police Dept. He has been tasked by his bosses to go deep undercover into Mob Boss Frank Costello’s organisation.

The only problem, is that Costello’s unofficial son, Colin Sullivan, is deep undercover himself as a Mole in the same State Police Department, and is in charge of the team to bring Costello down.

Direction

Incredible direction from the legendary Martin Scorsese, has a gritty style that matches the tone of the film. While the ‘action’ is low key – when it occurs it is quite brutal. If I were to make any real cons about it – there does seem to be a bit of reliance on CGI – but due to the nature of what occurs – this is the only real way this could be put on film. As you’ll see in my final score, this is a non-complaint.

There are some very well thought out camera angles during some intense dialogue scenes (view up from a phone etc.), and Scorsese has obviously given amazing notes to his cast. They all do an incredible job. There are also a couple of solid uses of the deep focus shot.

What he does best is the blend of character and dialogue with the action moments.

Cast/Characters

There is quite a congested cast, so it would be hard to make notes on all. Each member of cast brings their own element to the table.

Leonardo DiCaprio as Costigan and Matt Damon as Sullivan, who play the respective moles are sensational. Damon essentially playing the antagonist role brings out his ‘Boston’ accent from some of his previous movies.

Jack Nicholson as Costello, does brilliantly as the Mob Boss with zero redeeming traits, and a third act twist that makes him even more unlikeable.

The ‘secondary’ cops played by Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg (who got Oscar nominated for his role), James Badge Dale and Anthony Anderson all have moments where they shine.

Vera Farmiga is the only real female character, and she hold her own. I would have liked more from her, especially near the end of the film when she learns the truth about Sullivan.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

The main themes are betrayal and honesty – as all the characters are essentially lying to each other all the time.

There is such genuine affection for some of the characters on screen too, and when things do happen it is quite devastating – as some are slow build, and some without warning *** no spoilers ***

The setting of south Boston (somewhere I may never visit) is almost a character in itself, especially as some of the banter between characters has a very Boston feel to it.

So incredibly well written, that even on my third viewing I was still on the edge of my seat. 

Score/Soundtrack

There is a soft and often subtle score at times, which goes well with some of these scenes –  and there is  fun soundtrack that plays during some scenes. It is the “I’m shipping up to Boston” theme that is instantly recognisable.

Overall

Near perfect crime thriller, with near perfect performances. Winner of four Oscars including Best Picture and Director, and Screenplay. A strong recommend, and easy top score.

5/5