Solid Film - Rare Best Picture

Rating: 8/10 (6 May 2007)

This is not the first time the Best Picture has been won by a remake although several plot changes were made between this film & prequel Internal Affairs. What is interesting is how the performers & performances work out. While Leonardo Di'Caprio & Matt Damon are considered the stars, this film is literally stolen by veteran Jack Nicolson. Alec Balwin's role is almost non-existent in this one.
Without Jack, none of the other actors performances would be as meaningful. Jack is the center of the plot. Even with the re-writing of the script, there is still a bit of a hole in why his crime boss trusts the undercover man in his operation. Never the less, because of Jack's over the top performance, you buy it. If you didn't, this movie falls apart.
Another key performance in this is by newcomer Kristen Dalten. She plays a key role in the triangle between the 2 main characters well. I am not sure what she will be in next, but her role in this was really over-looked & she plays it perfectly. Whose baby she is carrying is never fully explained at the end.
The original film was set on the west coast, this one moves to Boston. There are some too rare good touches by the script & a lot is left to the imagination. That part is good. The over the top reliance on 4 letter word language is good for shock value & humor, but almost detracts from the film, though it is noticeable that as the action starts to dominate, the language is not there as often.
As often happens with a re-write, how the ending is handled does not make perfect sense, but the crowning touch to me - spoiler- is the symbolic use of a rat on the balcony in the final scene. This is well set up. I have to agree, this is Martin Scorchese best film in years, heads & tails above Gangs Of New York for example.
The ending is one-ups-man-ship at it's finest as it is all about reaching back from the grave.