Movie review: The Departed (October, 2006)

Based upon 2002's Hong Kong crime saga Infernal Affairs, The Departed takes the original's basic premise and weaves an intricate police story set in Boston. Featuring an outstanding, stellar ensemble cast means Scorsese's movie packs a huge dramatic punch. Jack Nicholson is the movie's lynch pin, eating up the scenery whenever he's on-screen, his character Frank Costello a ruthless, twisted and powerful presence. That he doesn't quite steal the movie is testament to the entire cast's strength. Leonardo DiCaprio is incredible as Billy Costigan, a cop forced to work undercover within Frank's clique, he brings a hard edge to the character that is thoroughly convincing. Also worthy of note is Mark Wahlberg's acerbic Sergeant, a foul mouthed, intimidating bastard who'll never let a chance to relentlessly prod and verbally harass his colleagues pass by. Matt Damon, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Alec Baldwin and Vera Farmiga all deserve to be mentioned as there isn't a weak link amongst the players, every performance pitch perfect. Kicking off with a prologue typical of Goodfellas (1990), with it's Rolling Stones soundtrack, the movie drags you in from the off and doesn't let go. It's the most engrossing Scorsese picture since Casino (1995) and also the director's best in a long time. Simply put, this is a Scorsese film in every sense. The violence is sudden and shocking, bloody and graphic. Boston is brought to life in gritty detail, a looming urban backdrop to the twisty-turny plot.
Anyone familiar with the original will think they know what to expect, but will be pleasantly surprised to learn that The Departed is no mere lazy retread. Arguably, Scorsese's movie actually manages to outstrip the original in terms of emotional intensity. The character's all reach a peak of emotional turmoil, events moving at such a pace, action escalating towards its conclusion that it leaves you hanging from the edge of your seat. What it does lack however is the character dichotomy that exists in Andrew Lau's Infernal Affairs. Lau's film is more thoughtful and steadily paced where Scorsese's is fast, punchy and explosive. However, both films deserve to be seen and judged on their own individual merits.
So, go see The Departed and if you haven't seen Infernal Affairs see that too. Both films are indispensable and the bottom line is that The Departed is Scorsese's best since Casino, hands down.
*****