Martin Scorsese’s The Departed (2006) stands as a seminal work in the crime genre, blending intense action, complex characters, and a gripping plot. This film, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, is a remake of the Hong Kong movie Infernal Affairs (2002). The Departed dives deep into the themes of loyalty, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil, set against the backdrop of Boston’s underworld. In this review, we’ll break down the plot, explore the characters, and analyze what makes this film a timeless classic.
Plot Recap
The Premise: A Tale of Two Moles
The Departed follows two main characters, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), whose lives run parallel but with opposing moral alignments. Billy, an undercover cop, infiltrates the Irish mob led by Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). Simultaneously, Colin, a mobster groomed from a young age by Costello, infiltrates the Massachusetts State Police. The tension escalates as both sides realize they have a mole in their midst, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
Act I: The Double Lives Begin
The film opens with a young Colin Sullivan being taken under the wing of the charismatic but ruthless mob boss, Frank Costello. This relationship sets the stage for Colin’s future as a mole within the police force. Meanwhile, Billy Costigan, fresh out of the police academy, is selected for a special undercover operation due to his family ties to the criminal world. Billy’s task is to gain Costello’s trust, which he does by serving prison time and slowly working his way up the mob’s hierarchy.
As Billy burrows deeper into the criminal underworld, Colin rises through the ranks of the police department, feeding critical information back to Costello. The tension mounts as each side becomes increasingly suspicious of the mole within their ranks.
Act II: The Web Tightens
Billy’s life as an undercover agent takes a toll on him. The constant pressure of maintaining his cover, coupled with the violent nature of his assignments, pushes him to the brink of a breakdown. DiCaprio’s portrayal of a man on the edge is riveting, capturing the audience’s empathy as they witness his descent into paranoia.
On the other side, Colin enjoys the perks of his double life—an esteemed position within the police force, a luxurious apartment, and a relationship with police psychiatrist Madolyn Madden (Vera Farmiga). However, his perfect facade begins to crack as the pressure of maintaining his cover grows. Damon effectively conveys Colin’s internal struggle, portraying him as both a villain and a victim of his circumstances.
The film’s middle section is a masterclass in tension-building, with each character moving closer to discovering the other’s identity. The suspense is palpable as both Billy and Colin work feverishly to uncover the mole in their respective organizations before they themselves are exposed.
Act III: The Climactic Confrontation
The film reaches its climax when Billy finally uncovers Colin’s identity. However, just as he is about to expose Colin, the situation takes a tragic turn. A series of brutal betrayals and murders ensue, leaving a trail of bodies in their wake. The final act is a rollercoaster of emotions, as the lines between good and evil blur beyond recognition.
The shocking conclusion of The Departed leaves audiences reeling. Scorsese pulls no punches in delivering a finale that is both unexpected and devastating, solidifying the film’s status as a modern classic.
Character Analysis
Billy Costigan: The Tragic Hero
Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Billy Costigan is one of the film’s standout performances. Billy is a man trapped between two worlds, struggling to maintain his sanity while living a double life. His deep sense of duty and loyalty to the police force is juxtaposed with the criminal world he’s forced to navigate. DiCaprio embodies the internal conflict of a man who is both a hero and a victim, making Billy one of the most compelling characters in the film.
Colin Sullivan: The Antagonist with a Conscience
Matt Damon’s Colin Sullivan is equally complex. While he is the antagonist of the story, his character is not without depth. Raised by Frank Costello, Colin’s loyalty to the mob boss is unwavering, yet his role as a police officer forces him to confront the moral implications of his actions. Damon’s performance captures the duality of Colin’s character—a man who is both calculating and deeply conflicted.
Frank Costello: The Sinister Mentor
Jack Nicholson’s Frank Costello is the embodiment of corruption and evil. Nicholson brings a larger-than-life presence to the role, making Costello a menacing figure who controls everyone around him. His relationship with Colin Sullivan is particularly interesting, as it reveals the manipulative power Costello wields over those he considers family.
Madolyn Madden: The Emotional Anchor
Vera Farmiga’s Madolyn Madden serves as the emotional anchor for both Billy and Colin. As a psychiatrist, she is caught between her professional duties and her personal relationships, adding another layer of complexity to the story. Farmiga’s portrayal of Madolyn is subtle yet powerful, providing a sense of normalcy in a world consumed by violence and deception.
Themes and Symbolism
Loyalty and Betrayal
The theme of loyalty is central to The Departed. Both Billy and Colin are fiercely loyal to their respective sides, but their loyalty is constantly tested. The film explores how far one will go to maintain their loyalty, even at the cost of their morals and sanity. The betrayals that unfold are not just plot devices but are deeply rooted in the characters’ internal struggles.
Identity and Deception
Identity is another key theme in the film. Billy and Colin both live double lives, struggling with the personas they have created to survive. The film delves into the psychological toll this deception takes on them, blurring the lines between their true selves and the roles they play. The question of identity is further explored through the film’s use of doppelgängers, with Billy and Colin serving as mirror images of each other in opposing worlds.
The Cycle of Violence
The Departed also examines the cyclical nature of violence. The characters are trapped in a world where violence begets violence, leading to an inevitable tragic end. Scorsese masterfully portrays this cycle through the film’s narrative structure, with each act of violence leading to further escalation and ultimately, to the characters’ downfall.
Cinematography and Direction
Martin Scorsese’s direction in The Departed is nothing short of brilliant. He expertly weaves together multiple storylines, creating a narrative that is both intricate and easy to follow. Scorsese’s use of tension and pacing keeps the audience on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The cinematography by Michael Ballhaus is equally impressive. The film’s visual style is gritty and realistic, perfectly capturing the dark underbelly of Boston’s criminal world. The use of lighting and shadows adds to the film’s overall sense of foreboding, while the dynamic camera work enhances the tension during key scenes.
The film’s editing, led by longtime Scorsese collaborator Thelma Schoonmaker, is sharp and precise. The rapid cuts and cross-cutting between scenes of Billy and Colin heighten the tension and create a sense of urgency that propels the story forward.
Music and Soundtrack
The soundtrack of The Departed is another highlight, featuring a mix of rock and roll, punk, and traditional Irish music. The use of The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” and Dropkick Murphys’ “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” are particularly memorable, adding to the film’s gritty atmosphere. The music choices reflect the characters’ internal turmoil and the chaotic world they inhabit.
Howard Shore’s score is understated but effective, providing a subtle emotional undercurrent that enhances the film’s dramatic moments. The sound design is equally important, with the sound of gunshots and sirens serving as a constant reminder of the ever-present danger in the characters’ lives.
Critical Reception and Legacy
The Departed was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release. It won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Scorsese, Best Adapted Screenplay for William Monahan, and Best Film Editing. The film’s success helped solidify Scorsese’s legacy as one of the greatest directors in cinematic history.
The film has also had a lasting impact on the crime genre, influencing subsequent films and television shows with its complex characters and morally ambiguous storytelling. The Departed is often cited as one of the best films of the 21st century, and its themes of loyalty, identity, and betrayal continue to resonate with audiences today.
Conclusion
The Departed is a masterful exploration of the dark side of human nature, set against the backdrop of Boston’s criminal underworld. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and expert direction, the film stands as a testament to Martin Scorsese’s filmmaking genius. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or just great cinema in general, The Departed is a must-watch.
The film’s exploration of loyalty, identity, and the cyclical nature of violence offers a profound commentary on the human condition. The Departed is not just a crime thriller; it’s a deeply philosophical film that challenges viewers to question their own moral boundaries.
In the end, The Departed is a film that lingers long after the credits roll, leaving audiences to ponder the complexities of its characters and the world they inhabit. It’s a film that demands to be revisited, analyzed, and appreciated for its many layers and intricacies.
FAQs:
1. What is the plot of The Departed?
The Departed follows the intertwined lives of a cop, Billy Costigan, who infiltrates a crime syndicate, and a criminal, Colin Sullivan, who infiltrates the police force. Both sides seek to uncover the mole in their midst, leading to a tense and violent confrontation.
2. Who directed The Departed?
The Departed was directed by Martin Scorsese, one of the most renowned filmmakers in cinema history.
3. Is The Departed based on a true story?
While The Departed is not based on a true story, it is a remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs (2002).
4. What awards did The Departed win?
The Departed won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Martin Scorsese, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
5. Who are the main characters in The Departed?
The main characters include Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), and Madolyn Madden (Vera Farmiga).
6. What are the major themes in The Departed?
Major themes include loyalty, identity, betrayal, and the cyclical nature of violence.
7. What is the significance of the ending of The Departed?
The ending of The Departed is shocking and tragic, emphasizing the film’s exploration of the consequences of a life of crime and deception.
8. How does The Departed compare to Infernal Affairs?
The Departed stays true to the main plot of Infernal Affairs but adds depth to the characters and introduces new subplots, making it distinct in its own right.
9. Who composed the music for The Departed?
The score for The Departed was composed by Howard Shore, with additional tracks by artists like The Rolling Stones and Dropkick Murphys.
10. What is the legacy of The Departed?
The Departed is considered one of the best films of the 21st century and has had a lasting impact on the crime genre, influencing many subsequent films and TV shows.
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