This is Leo's Movie, not Martin's.

Rating: 4/10 (26 May 2007)

For your consideration: Titanic > Gangs > Aviator > Departed
I'm glad that Scorsesi has finally gotten his Oscar, but it should have been for Best Mentor, not Best Director. The direction of this film was marginally competent, at best, but I truly believe we are witnessing something special in the maturation of Leo DiCaprio.
Direction: So many loose ends, and the pacing alternates between lethargic and frenetic. Composition and memorable visuals? None. (Well, the shots of the characters going into the warehouse door are well done.) Theme? Ummmm... its-a-dark-world-and-people-do-bad-stuff. Ooookay, thanks for that insight, Martin.
Acting: I always look forward to seeing Nicholson and Damon on the screen, and I enjoyed watching them here, but DiCaprio stands out. His performance is pitch perfect: the story is intense, but of all the actors, only his performance has a matching intensity. His portrayal of a tough young man who is scared s***less by what he's gotten caught up in is convincing, human, and non-derivative. While working with Scorsesi, DiCaprio has begun to emerge as an actor who could pick up the mantle of people like Jimmy Stewart, Henry Fonda, and Gregory Peck. Like them, he brings a recognizable and consistent persona to the part, but does so in a way lets the persona enhance rather than limit the character.
Nicholson and Damon are excellent charismatic actors. Johnny Depp is a fascinating explorer. Anthony Hopkins is a master of the craft. Other names could be mentioned. But DiCaprio is growing into something different from each of these... a "movie star" in the classic Hollywood tradition.