Another Scorsese Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (28 December 2006)

'The Departed' is one spectacular film. Martin Scorsese has directed another masterpiece. The action, suspense, tension, excitement that this production generates is amazing. Each shot keeps your attention - you can't take your eyes off the actors. And what actors! Leonardo DiCaprio as Billy Costigan is so good that he even keeps up with the legendary Jack Nicholson - scene for scene. And often surpasses the master. Mr. DiCaprio will definitely be nominated for the Academy Award this year and should win (but the ultra-liberal academy will vote for Will Smith). The aforementioned Jack Nicholson is just plain wonderful as Frank Costello. Matt Damon is chillingly perfect as Colin Sullivan, giving a superb performance. This is certainly Matt Damon's year, with this film and 'The Good Shepherd', both 2006 releases. Alec Baldwin is in both films as well, and boy has he become a great character actor. Personally, I think he still has lead actor quality and ability. In 'The Departed' he is great, just great. One more actor I wish to mention is Mark Wahlberg. Mark Wahlberg has never given a bad performance - that said, he is amazing as Dignam, the hot-tempered detective. The rest of the cast is fantastic. Scorsese's casting choices are right on target. The soundtrack music is terrific. I noticed that there are two versions of it. Guess I'll have to get both. Great Film!