The Departed (2006)

* written in 2016

I haven't been living under a rock, and neither have I been in a coma, but I just watched The Departed for the first time. I know, where have I been? My love for Scorsese films runs so deep, how did this movie pass me by for so many years? Anyways, I thought I knew what I was getting myself into when putting this on. I thought it would be some kind of worthy successor to Mean Streets, GoodFellas and Casino. Another Scorsese mob classic? Well, I wouldn't call it a classic. It's a very good film, i assure you, but it in no way compares to the genius of his very best films. It is hard to compare any mob film to the greatest mob film of all time, but when it's made by the same director and you notice all of these little setbacks, it's hard not to be slightly disappointed.
The acting is by far the film's greatest strength, DiCaprio and Damon provide great intensity in their scenes, no matter how subtle. Jack Nicholson as Frank Costello definitely delivered the best performance. It's that same brand of craziness, and evil, that Nicholson does so well. As an interpretation of Whitey Bulger, it's pretty creative. This is much more of a grandstanding version of Whitey. Watch Black Mass, however, and you'll see a more entrancingly real portrayal of Whitey by Johnny Depp.

The movie's mystery aspect had me very interested, and so did it's brilliant direction from Scorsese himself. This is, at the end of the day, an action picture. Reminded me a little of a "Geezers with Guns"/Guy Ritchie film. Perhaps that is why I felt so differently about this film than his others. It doesn't have Scorsese's words, or even his ideas. That is kind of what draws me to his movies the most. When Marty has his own idea, and puts it to work, you can really tell the difference. His heart and soul is in the picture. Here, I think he just does an excellent job directing someone else's idea. What's sad is that this is the film that granted him his long- overdue Academy Award for best director. Really? This is the film that deserved it? Where were you all during Raging Bull?
I'm being too harsh on a good film. It is a good film. Just not one that I'll think about when I think about one of my favorite directors.