'The Departed'

'A Director going back to the bloody basics'

'The Departed', the newest Martin Scorsese picture, is his best since 'Goodfellas'. It's the classic Marty fusion of character, music and lots and lots of blood. It's possibly the year's most engaging and entertaining film.

Billy Costigan is a new Boston police cadet. Once passing traing he goes undercover to infiltrate the opperations of Mob kingpin, Frank Costello. Costigan utilizes his past familial connections through his crook of an uncle.

Collin Sullivan is also a rising cop. He had a rough childhood, until Frank Costello buys the family some groceries. This brings him into a world much like the one of the young Henry Hill in 'Goodfellas'. When the boss finds that the Sullivan kid's in with the cops, he knows where to get his information and get it regularly.

When each group finds that the other has a mole in on their operation, they all try to decifer who's the rat. It's the higest order of the game of Cat and Mouse.

The performances are stellar all around, with Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, Vera Farmgia and Mark Whalberg giving able support to the three pricipals: DiCaprio, Damon and Nicholson. Baldwin and Whalberg provide many laughs with the latter giving his best performance. Nicholson, in his scenery chewing glory, shouldn't be forgotten come Oscar night. DiCaprio creates a fully developed character with great sucess. Damon is at his best and Vera Farmiga is a wonderful as Damon's lover and DiCaprio's therapist.

The Direction and editing are crisp, creating the most suspenseful moments of the year. This film will hopefully will capture Martin Scorsese his (long) overdue Oscar.

Nothing I can say can do service to the wonder that is 'The Departed', possibly the year's best film!

Grade: A+

MovieDude

#48 in my top 100 Films!

Winner of 6 MovieDude Alternitive Oscars:

Best Picture

Best Actor (Leonardo DiCapprio)

Best Director (Martin Scorcesse)

Best Supporting Actor (Jack Nicholson)

Best Actor in a Limited Role (Mark Whalberg)

Best Adapted Screenplay