movie minute

Dearly Departed: Martin Scorsese's new film is, in my humble opinion, his best film to date. The Departed tells the story of Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) and Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), Sullivan's mentor/"father." Costello is a mob criminal in Boston and Colin is Costello's informer. The clincher is that Colin is an up and coming police detective with the Boston Police; how convenient for Costello. Colin is also a mole that becomes a thorn in the police force's side. Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is also a mole but he one of Costello's most trusted criminal sidekicks; he's also an ex-cop who is feeding the real feds info on Costello to help them take Costello down once and for all. Are you still with me??? The film is a bit hard to follow at the beginning in terms of what exactly is going down but once it gets going, about 45mins into the film, it's a joyride. This being Martin Scorsese the film is, of course, grandiose and long. The first 45mins don't drag so much as make us anxious for what we know is coming. It's a cat and mouse game through and through and a violent and gory game at that. Yes, this movie does not pull any punches in terms of blood and violence. The two moles scramble to keep their respective identities secret but like all secrets, it doesn't stay secret forever. Not only that but they both fall for the same girl. The movie is not set in NY, which is where Scorsese's films are usually set and it seems like Boston has re-energized the filmmaker. I think he's a great director but I've never been a fan of his movies in terms of the stories they tell. This one was different and I was rapt the whole time. I do have a bone to pick, however. Nicholson is playing another sleazeball (really, a role he can do in his sleep) and did he really have to be the one chosen for this role. He really did wear on me as the mob kingpin and Matt Damon is really not a good actor (I'm prepared for any nasty comments). DiCaprio has the meatier role here, anyway and it is the second best thing I've ever seen him in; the first being What's Eating Gilbert Grape. As Costigan, the criminal who really wanted to be a cop, he begins to doubt himself and his sanity as he scrambles to keep his cover amidst the violence and deception. Alec Baldwin is also in this movie and he's in everything lately. Not only is he on the tv show 30 Rock but he is also in these soon to be released movies: Mini's First Time, The Good Shepherd, Running With Scissors, The Girls' Guide To Hunting & Fishing, and The Forbidden City. Really, is he short on money or something? But I digress.....If you are a fan of Scorsese then chances are you'll really enjoy this movie. The sad part about this being arguably his best film is that it's not original; it's a remake of a terrific 2002 Hong Kong film called Infernal Affairs. Scorsese is more or less true to the original film. Not for the faint of heart though.

Bags of popcorn (out of 5): 3.75

paul

Possible Oscar noms:

Best Director: Martin Scorsese
Best Actor: Jack Nicholson
Best Supp. Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio