Scorsese deserves an Oscar for this film

Rating: 10/10 (26 January 2007)

Like most of us, when news comes from Hollywood that an American filmmaker is doing a remake of a foreign film, my stomach cringes at the fact (i.e. The Grudge, The Ring). However, imagine my sheer excitement when I learned that Martin Scorsese was attached to direct one of the best HK crime films I've seen: 'Infernal Affairs'. Usually, I'm not optimistic about a remake but I had to make an exception. Anyways, the film succeeds in matching up to the original, reminding me why idolize Scorsese in the first place. Scorsese, with the help of a solid and interesting screenplay by William Monahan (Kingdom of Heaven), crafts a story of deception and tragedy set in one of America's most celebrated but equally infamous cities. Casting is everything in a film and The Departed is no different. Leonardo DiCaprio gives one his best performances as Billy Costigan, the undercover cop sent to infiltrate Frank Costello's (Jack Nicholson) crime syndicate. I totally bought DiCaprio as the man who was trying to distance himself from his family's dark past. His struggle in leading a life of deception is very chaotic and thrilling. He deserved an Oscar nod for this role (I haven't seen Blood Diamond yet). Matt Damon, as he demonstrated in the Bourne films, showed a darker side as Colin Sullivan, Costello's rat in the Boston State Police. I sound a bit biased, but I think Damon should have gotten at least a Golden Glode nod for the film. Jack Nicholson is Jack Nicholson. His casting was key in the success of this film as he provided some of the most comical and sinister scenes of the film. It is a crying shame that this is the only film Nicholson has made with Scorsese so far. Alec Baldwin is great as Capt. Ellerby, even though he has very little screen time. However, the performance that caught me by surprise the most is that of Mark Wahlberg as Sgt. Dignam. He is very convincing as a no nonsense cop with a chip on his shoulders. His disdain for Damon's character is very genuine and it makes what transpires very chilling and justifiable. Overall, this film is at the top of my film list for 2006. If you haven't seen The Departed yet, please do. It is an unforgettable experience. Also, will the Academy please give Scorsese the Oscar come March?!?