The Departed (2006)

Directed by: Martin Scorsese | 152 minutes | drama, crime | Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, Anthony Anderson, Kevin Corrigan, James Badge Dale, David O’Hara, Mark Rolston, Robert Wahlberg, Kristen Dalton, JC MacKenzie, Mary Klug, Saurman Holzemer Peg, Robert ‘Toshi’ Kar Yun Chan, Gurdeep Singh

Cops or criminals… when you’re facing a loaded gun: what’s the difference? In ‘The Departed’ it really doesn’t matter. Corrupt detectives and undercover cops do their utmost to hide their true identities in a brutal world of lies and deceit. In south Boston, the police are trying to end organized crime, and whether you have your period drinking cranberry juice makes as much sense as killing people who are abusive and leading a double life. Martin Scorsese is back again. And how.

Loosely based on the hit film ‘Infernal Affairs’ (2002) from Hong Kong, ‘The Departed’ can best be characterized as ruthless and subtle at the same time. Young Billy Costigan infiltrates mob boss Costello’s syndicate, while Colin Sullivan serves as Costello’s informant for the police. One has to pose as a criminal and the other as a cop, which is accompanied by an excellent alternation of brute force and extreme cunning. Brutal violence in the world of Billy, who has to prove himself to Costello and his people, and cunning in the world of Colin, who can’t show the way in which he passes information to Costello. Finally, a director takes advantage of the physical resemblance between Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio. And who knows how to do things just a little differently than usual.

Jack Nicholson in his role as Frank Costello is most reminiscent of his roles as Jack Torrance in ‘The Shining’ (1980) and The Joker in ‘Batman’ (1989). Powerful, ruthless and above all: insane. Because who calmly eats crab with a severed hand on the table, walks through cafes with blood-soaked sleeves and can handle anyone with their arrogant attitude and experience? Indeed. Jack Nicholson. And no one else. The casting is also largely the success behind ‘The Departed’. Because in addition to the three leading roles, Mark Wahlberg in particular shines in a great supporting role. Not only does he physically resemble Professor Snape from the Harry Potter movies, as a real pain in the ass he can afford to piss and ridicule everyone and he gets away with it too.

After the necessary action in the underworld and intrigue at the police station, in which Irish rock music in particular plays a pleasant role, it is time for the psychological game between Billy and Colin, and Scorsese shows perfect timing. Both have found out that someone on the other side is not fair, and both have to expose this person first to secure their own cover. Jack Nicholson finally makes way for DiCaprio and Damon, who raise the level of ‘The Departed’ to that of Scorsese’s successes ‘Mean Streets’ (1973) and of course ‘Goodfellas’ (1990). Because although Costello’s syndicate will eventually be rolled up, everyone now knows that it has long since ceased to be about that. The game is far from over.

Perhaps ‘The Departed’ is the film everyone has been waiting for: the comeback of Jack Nicholson and Leonardo DiCaprio in particular, who play two very strong roles. And it might even be the comeback of the gangster movie in general. But then the Scorsese Way. And with an eye for every detail.