The Departed is a Martin Scorsese film released in 2006 (The Departed). While it may appear to be just another mob movie in a sea of mobster noir films, it’s a contemporary crime drama that hinges on thriller as well. The film is set in modern times on the south side of Boston, and the characters are keen to remind everyone of that fact, making the setting of the south side a prominent point throughout the film. It starts with an almost benevolent Frank Costello, expertly played by Jack Nicholson, examining the finer points of morality and the law. He’s a man whose foundation of morality is built upon the belief that the ends certainly justify the means, since no one else will get you what you want or where you want to end up in life. He takes
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There is a frequent use of shadows and low angle shots, further adding to the mystery surrounding the characters. The camera movements are smooth yet urgent. As the cinematography progresses the plot, it does so without overly complicating a film with complicated characters. Scorsese also expertly captures Nicholson’s sneers and anger throughout the film. The progression of Costello’s fall from power is evident in his outbursts of rage, scornful presence, and increasingly disheveled appearance (Levy, E). The paranoia Sullivan experiences is also expertly captured, such as in the alley scene as Costigan trails him from an adult theater. The sleazy setting, use of dark shadowy shots, and the overall mise en scene contribute to the sense of paranoia and suspense that are present in the scenes. The cuts between shots of Costigan and Sullivan as they pursue and communicate with one another also enhance the sense of suspense as their hunt for one another …show more content…
While the degrees of our individual guilt vary, we are all hypocrites, we all expect others to trust us, and we all have times when we knowingly and purposefully deceive others. The Departed also emphasizes that regardless of the weight of our sins or transgressions, when we die, do those choices really make a difference in our lives? And if so, is it enough of a difference to really change ourselves? Regardless of one’s own views on morality, The Departed is an interesting film, with good cinematography and a superb
There is a frequent use of shadows and low angle shots, further adding to the mystery surrounding the characters. The camera movements are smooth yet urgent. As the cinematography progresses the plot, it does so without overly complicating a film with complicated characters. Scorsese also expertly captures Nicholson’s sneers and anger throughout the film. The progression of Costello’s fall from power is evident in his outbursts of rage, scornful presence, and increasingly disheveled appearance (Levy, E). The paranoia Sullivan experiences is also expertly captured, such as in the alley scene as Costigan trails him from an adult theater. The sleazy setting, use of dark shadowy shots, and the overall mise en scene contribute to the sense of paranoia and suspense that are present in the scenes. The cuts between shots of Costigan and Sullivan as they pursue and communicate with one another also enhance the sense of suspense as their hunt for one another …show more content…
While the degrees of our individual guilt vary, we are all hypocrites, we all expect others to trust us, and we all have times when we knowingly and purposefully deceive others. The Departed also emphasizes that regardless of the weight of our sins or transgressions, when we die, do those choices really make a difference in our lives? And if so, is it enough of a difference to really change ourselves? Regardless of one’s own views on morality, The Departed is an interesting film, with good cinematography and a superb