The Question, Part 1

Rating: 8/10 (29 January 2007)

Remember when I said "Match Point" moved fast? Well, "The Departed" moves faster; so much faster that the name of the film appears after the movie has begun developing the plot and it would have been the same if it appeared at anytime. Characters speak without pauses, throwing intelligent lines from time to time; the music is too loud and it never seems to stop. Every time I paid attention the loud music was in the back; as if the montage of the first scene was still running.
It's fine, but I was thinking about the beginning of "Goodfellas" and how much I loved the speech he gives; gentle and slowPaused. Here, Jack Nicholson gives a wonderful opening speech but it goes so fast that if you close your eyes you miss its essence. The same goes for some talks between Vera Farmiga and Leonardo DiCaprio and between Matt Damon and Alec Baldwin that lie between the best little scenes of the movie.
I didn't watch the original piece in which William Monahan based his script, but Monahan still doesn't convince me. There's a lack of seriousness to his work and he'll get an Oscar for it. However, when his "Kingdom of Heaven" was short of words, this screenplay has words to spare. I probably miss the days of "Taxi Driver", when Bob drove through the streets and there was no need for words to express his feelings.
Here we encounter the great Martin Scorsese in a rush, as his movie of course. The pictures of Scorsese I've watched made me understand he was a calm and observing director, with a lot of messages to give in each film and a lot of importance to give to the screenplay. "The Departed" doesn't instantly find messages, but the screenplay rushes; and Scorsese doesn't stay behind. With his ability, Marty followed his characters rapidly, moving constantly his camera; whether in a chase scene or in a chat inside of an office where the close ups are instantaneous and the frames show a character by the second. In addition, he still found the time of creating new and interesting filming shots that go along with the film's rhythm.
That "The Departed" is far from being Scorsese's best picture is a fact; but it's probably the best he's done this decade. And that's enough to get him an Oscar before he starts desperately trying for one and goes back to make films without a burden or a personal pressure; because he won't give up the crusade for an award he simply deserves.
As I said, a part of me wants the old Bob back, but as the years go by, Leo is kind of growing on me. I mean, he'll never be my favorite actor or anything similar; but his performance is the finest of "The Departed" cast. I look back at his retarded kid in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and I think to myself that when DiCaprio isn't on the main focus (because it's where he's always been), he can hand in some great portrayals.
And what an ensemble! I mean, Scorsese can get big names that are among the biggest talents. Don't even mention Jack Nicholson, who's not in the run for the big awards because we are rewarded when we watch him on screen; it's his present to us. Mark Wahblberg, an actor I've always liked, could have gotten recognition for a couple of films where he outshined the leads some time ago; but is perfect here in a role that was definitely for an older person. If we say older persons we find the fabulous portrayal of Ray Winstone and two underrated performances of Martin Sheen and Alec Baldwin (what a year he had). What was even more underrated was Matt Damon's incredible turn as Collin Sullivan, the second in line after DiCpario's performance in the movie and easily his best labor since "The Talented Mr. Ripley".
Is anyone sure if Vera Farmiga has nothing to do with the Arquette family? She looks a lot likeAnyway, she's a good actress. I refuse to talk about Anthony Anderson, but the question remains: "Is 'The Departed' the Best Picture Oscar of the year?".