Review: The Departed (2006)

A Gripping Crime Thriller with Outstanding Performances and Masterful Direction

Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Departed is a taut, thrilling crime drama that skillfully explores themes of deception, loyalty, and betrayal. A remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs (2002), the film takes place in Boston and centers on the parallel lives of two men—one an undercover cop and the other an informant within the police force. Featuring an all-star cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg, The Departed is a smart, intense, and emotionally charged thriller that highlights Scorsese’s mastery of suspense and character development.

Plot Overview

The plot of The Departed revolves around two men working undercover in opposite organizations. Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a young cop who is assigned to infiltrate the Irish mob led by Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). On the other side, Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), a mole in the Massachusetts State Police, is working for Costello while rising through the ranks of law enforcement. The film follows the cat-and-mouse game between the two men as they try to uncover each other’s identities, all while dealing with the pressure of their double lives.

As the stakes grow higher, the tension builds to an explosive and morally ambiguous climax where both men are forced to confront their roles in the world of crime and law enforcement.

The Good: Stellar Performances and Riveting Direction

1. Outstanding Performances
One of the greatest strengths of The Departed is its incredible ensemble cast. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers one of his best performances as Billy Costigan, a man tortured by the emotional cost of living a lie. DiCaprio expertly conveys Billy’s internal struggle, bringing depth to the character despite his tough, no-nonsense exterior. Matt Damon as Colin Sullivan plays the character with chilling subtlety, showing a man who is outwardly charming but is haunted by his own moral compromises. The contrast between these two performances creates a powerful dynamic that drives the film’s tension.

Jack Nicholson is electrifying as Frank Costello, the volatile and unpredictable mob boss. Nicholson brings his usual charisma and menace to the role, making Costello both terrifying and magnetic. Mark Wahlberg, in a standout supporting role, plays Sergeant Dignam with a biting wit and cynicism that adds humor and depth to the film.

2. Martin Scorsese’s Direction
Martin Scorsese is at the top of his game with The Departed. The film is a masterclass in pacing and tension, as Scorsese uses his signature style to build suspense and inject the narrative with moments of dark humor and brutal violence. The use of quick cuts, stylish shots, and sharp editing makes the film’s narrative fast-paced and emotionally engaging, while the frequent use of close-ups adds to the feeling of claustrophobia that the characters experience. Scorsese’s skill in balancing character-driven drama with intense action sequences is a standout feature of the film.

3. The Intensity of the Story
The Departed is a crime thriller that’s both intellectually stimulating and emotionally charged. The tension between the two central characters—Billy and Colin—is palpable, and as their lives begin to intersect more frequently, the stakes are raised higher. The cat-and-mouse dynamics between the undercover cop and the mole within the police force are compelling, with each trying to outsmart the other while battling their own fears and insecurities. This creates a layered narrative that is gripping from start to finish.

4. Themes of Morality, Loyalty, and Betrayal
At its core, The Departed explores the complexities of morality, loyalty, and betrayal. Both Billy and Colin struggle with their allegiance to their respective sides, and the film poses the question of whether one can ever truly be loyal when caught in a morally corrupt system. As each man navigates his double life, the consequences of betrayal become increasingly dire. The film also explores the impact of family ties and the lengths one will go to protect those they love—even if it means betraying their own beliefs and principles.

The Weaknesses: A Few Predictable Elements

1. The Pacing in the Second Act
While the first and third acts of The Departed are tightly constructed and full of tension, the second act can feel slightly meandering. Some plot points, particularly surrounding the investigation into Costello’s organization, can feel a bit repetitive as the film continues to build toward its climactic conclusion. While this does not detract significantly from the overall experience, the film’s pacing slows at times, making some of the developments feel predictable.

2. Underdeveloped Female Characters
While the film boasts a stellar cast of male actors, its female characters—most notably Vera Farmiga’s Madolyn—are somewhat underdeveloped. Madolyn is caught between the two main characters, Billy and Colin, yet her storyline feels secondary and lacks the depth of the male leads. Although she plays an important role in the narrative, the film’s focus on its male-driven story leaves little room for deeper exploration of her character or her motivations.

Themes and Emotional Depth

At its core, The Departed is a film about identity, loyalty, and the consequences of living a lie. Both Billy and Colin are trapped in their roles, unable to escape the circumstances that dictate their lives. The film raises poignant questions about the moral compromises people make and the emotional toll of living a double life. As each man grapples with his own identity, the film builds to a tragic, violent conclusion that underscores the futility of their struggle.

The film’s exploration of loyalty—whether it’s to the police force, the mob, or one’s own moral compass—adds complexity to the narrative. The characters are forced to make impossible decisions, and their actions ultimately lead to their downfall, a reflection of the film’s grim view of the world of organized crime and law enforcement.

Standout Moments

• The Final Twist:
  The film’s ending is nothing short of iconic. Without giving too much away, the final moments of The Departed leave the audience reeling with a shocking twist that ties the narrative together in a brutal, morally ambiguous way. It’s a perfect example of Scorsese’s ability to subvert expectations and deliver a conclusion that stays with you long after the credits roll.
• The “Rat” Reveal:
  One of the most intense and dramatic sequences in the film involves a confrontation between the two main characters and the uncovering of the “rat” within the police force. This scene, full of tension and paranoia, showcases the paranoia that permeates the entire film.

  

Final Thoughts

The Departed (2006) is a masterful crime thriller that combines exceptional performances, a gripping story, and powerful direction. Martin Scorsese crafts a dark and complex narrative that explores the themes of loyalty, deception, and morality in the world of crime. While it may have a few minor pacing issues and underdeveloped female characters, the film’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. With outstanding performances from DiCaprio, Damon, and Nicholson, and a shocking, unforgettable ending, The Departed stands as one of the finest crime films of the 21st century.

Rating: 9.5/10

A riveting and emotionally charged film that showcases the best of Scorsese’s cinematic craft, The Departed is a must-see for fans of crime dramas and thrillers.