Disappointed at theater, but after a second watch, changed my mind

Rating: 8/10 (7 August 2010)

I was pretty disappointed with the movie when had watched it at theater for the first time (had difficulty in following the movie especially, found it too fast paced etc.) it was just a good movie, but months later, I watched it on DVD again and changed my mind almost completely. There is everything that a cop movie could include. Of course, this is not the best Scorsese film or my favorite Scorsese film, it is Taxi Driver, but a great movie. And people compare it with the original Asian version (they don't have to do), then they say hard things about this movie. I was disappointed not because of only one reason, but the most problematic thing in the movie was editing, the movie is one of the most exhausting movies ever made, if you ask me. It is like there is no break even to breathe, no break between the events, so a too exhausting experience like he first half of Bourne Ultimatum. The events run, run and run, any kind of method is not used. I don't like the movies has such editing, because you cannot assimilate things. As for the plot, despite this is not an original work, a new version, the story is brainwave, in other words, it is brilliantly written, it adapts 'the idea' almost excellently. I see The Departed as a crime epic, yes it is an epic, not like American Gangster which is pretty good, but usual. The actors. Matt Damon is one of my favorite actors, but the point is that may be because of his persona, may be because of Bourne trilogy, himself (and his character) is one of the factors that make the movie very good. Damon excellently reflects his character's two face. And his unbelievable actions throughout the movie. Jack Nicholson is one of my favorite actors too, but his acting is not overrated, great performance. In addition, his colorful, but at the same time maniac character, Costello is not likable, but very interesting and colorful. I am proud of Alec Baldwin and Mark Wahlberg. Yes sometimes such things happen, a man comes and exhibits an unexpected and excellent performance. I don't like Mark Wahlberg honestly, but in this movie, he goes beyond himself. He is so funny and so serious also, his character. The battle of words scene between Dignam and Ellerby is the peak of Martin Scorsese movies, you know, in Martin Scorsese movies, characters are ribald and as I know, Casino was a record in terms of strong language. The scene was very funny and a bit shocking and makes a reference to Scorsese movies I believe. The best part of the movie, that deserves being in cinema anthology, starts when everything turns into a mess. Orders, coincidences and bad luck. I don't know why, but to witness the greatness of the movie, just watch this scene. It was one of the reasons that made me changed my mind. I don't know the disappointment reasons of other people, but it should not related to the script, acting or direction (except exhausting story telling), because this is a very well written, acted and directed movie with some bitter twists. The success of it comes from the details mostly and its complexity in the story. The movie has flaws, but not little flaws. For example the love triangle is so far fetched and unrealistic. They encounter at home, then have sex. There is an envelope matter which is weird. However, we can interpret it as silliness of Costigan. By the way, almost all the people around me complain about the ending. I have not any problem with the ending. What is the name of the movie? Plus, no uninteresting or dull character. Now it is time for Di Caprio. He raises his bar too. The situations he is in and his relationship with Costello are very exciting, very engrossing, but sometimes harsh and sad. Scorsese should have won the best director Oscar absolutely by The Taxi Driver first, but this is not a movie which I would complain or bother so that he won it by this.