scorese returning to what he does best

Rating: 8/10 (15 October 2006)

A remake of any film is usually a woeful moment. Only a hand full have reached the mark of the original film, a few soaring above it. Hollywood has been pillaging the Asian cinema, with many remakes of their horror films and action/dramas. Based upon the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, The Departed looks to be exempted from this. While not have seen Infernal Affairs, the argues argument of comparing the films; "which one is better", is left muted, and all for the better.
It has been some time since Martin Scorese made his last gangster/crime film, with Casino back in 1995. During that time, his most major films Gangs of New York and The Aviator, where great yet muddled films. The Departed sees Scorsese returning to great form in a genre he does best. While not reaching Casino, Taxdriver or Goodfellas level, when the starting tune of The Rolling Stones Gimme Shelter rolls in, arms open saying 'Welcome back Martin'.
While it is rejoicing when The Departed starts, it dips not long after. The major flaw is the editing. Scenes run so lightning fast making a disjointed flow to the narrative. Scene cuts are erratic and images shoot past without time to comprehend what was shown. It's all the set up, Sullivan getting into the police to be Costello's mole, Queenan and Dignam setting up Costigan to infiltrate Costello's organization, you start to doubt whether Scorsese has dropped his form.
Yet things do settle, breaths are taken and proceeding calm down. Its the change from a urban setting. When both sides realise they might have moles in their midst, The Departed jumps tracks changing into one gripping and taut thriller. The intensity spikes and doesn't drop, with twists and turns, as Sullivan and Costigan hot on each others heals. Screenwritter William Monahan has succeeded in transfer the story into a complete American setting, with little presence of any Asian cinema influences, with Scorsese making it his own film to stand by itself.
Martin Scorsese's directing is impeccable, the shoot out between the police and Costello's drug shipment enforces this, perfectly executed and staged; though the editing during the first part does detract from his talent. Continuing his collaboration with Scorese from The Aviator and Gangs of New York, Leonardo DiCaprio delivers his best performance, growing better with each film he does. Matt Damon, while not his best, is great as crooked cop Sullivan. Jack Nicholson perfectly mixes comedy and vulgarity in Costello. Mark Wahlberg doesn't drop a note as fouled mouth, hot headed Dignam. Martin Sheen and Alec Baldwin are great in their supporting roles.
While not his best work, The Departed is Scorsese's best film in awhile.