The Academy Awards may be only five months away, yet there is already a guaranteed Best Picture contender.
The Departed is director Martin Scorcese’s latest feature and it (thankfully) returns to what Scorcese does best: dark, action packed, crime dramas.
Based on the 2002 Hong Kong film, Infernal Affairs, The Departed follows Boston crime boss Frank Costello, played by Jack Nicholson. The Massachusetts State Police and FBI are desperate to bring down Costello’s reign. They place Billy Costigan (a remarkable Leonardo DiCaprio) undercover without knowing that Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a Costello protégé, has been rising to the top of the state police all along. Both sides quickly learn that the enemy has infiltrated their system and the film climaxes in a bloody mess.
Mark Whalberg, Martin Sheen, Vera Farmiga, Anthony Anderson, and Alec Baldwin round out the cast in this stellar picture.
Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of the witty and sinister Costello sometimes strays from the films’ principal ideas of violence, corruption, deception, and loyalty. Nevertheless, Nicholson delivers an unforgettable and notable performance.
The Departed’s greatest achievement, however, comes at the hands of Leonardo DiCaprio. Starring in his third Scorsese feature, DiCaprio delivers his best and most intriguing performance to date. DiCaprio molds his character until all vulnerability and strength has been removed, leaving him empty and distraught.
The Departed is, without a doubt, the year’s best release thus far. With sharp direction, great music, and perfect characterizations, Martin Scorcese creates a captivating motion picture and proves once again why he is the greatest American director.
Published: The Mount Holyoke News
October 12, 2006
Updated October 11, 2010
@Cinefille 
I just got back from seeing it. I was impressed by Damon and DiCaprio, despite hating The Aviator. I really liked the movie, and it had really great performances in it. My only complaint was that it was a little bit too long. But I might have to argue with Scorsese being the greatest American director. I think Altman has him beat.
Cinefille…WOW, Nicholson blew me away. Has there EVER been a a movie nominated with 3 candidates nominated in the Best Actor role?
Nicholson, DiCaprio and Damon all fit there and you could easily put Wahlberg in the Best Supporting category and even Baldwin, who played his usual sleazy, slithering self to perfection.
It’s a great movie. And I did love jack Nicholson.
I know that their have been times when two actors from the same movie have been nominated for Best Actress and in the supporting categories. (Gone With The Wind, Mrs. Miniver) But never have three actors from the same movie been nominated in the same category.
If have to guess, Nicholson will be nominated for Best Actor. He has a very good chance to tie Katharine Hepburn’s Oscar record this year.
And Damon and DiCaprio will be nominated for best supporting actor. If one actor is going to be chosen over the other, it will be DiCaprio.
Scorcese reinvented American cinema by pulling it away from the classic Hollywood images. That’s why he is the greatest American director.