The Departed, Martin Scorsese‘s Oscar-winning gritty crime drama starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg and Jack Nicholson, celebrated it 18th anniversary from its release date on October 6, 2006.
This iconic film, a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, a testament to its powerful storytelling and stellar performances.
Set in a morally ambiguous Boston underworld, The Departed follows a complex cat-and-mouse game between two undercover agents: Billy Costigan (DiCaprio), a state police officer infiltrating the Irish mob, and Colin Sullivan (Damon), a mob associate working as a detective in the Special Investigation Unit. Their lives collide in a deadly dance of deception, loyalty, and betrayal.
The Departed’s All-Star Cast
DiCaprio delivers a tour-de-force performance as Costigan, a character torn between his allegiance to his family and his duty to the law. His portrayal of a man struggling to maintain his identity amidst a world of corruption is both raw and vulnerable.
Damon, in a similarly compelling role, embodies the calculating and ambitious Sullivan, a man willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. Brad Pitt was originally attached to the role, but opted to be a producer on the film instead.
Nicholson, in a typically over-the-top yet unforgettable performance, steals scenes as Frank Costello, the ruthless mob boss who mentors both Costigan and Sullivan. Costello is based on based on Irish-American gangster and crime boss Whitey Bulger. His portrayal of a man consumed by power and paranoia is a masterclass in acting from the three-time Oscar winner, including his 1983 supporting performance as Garrett Breedlove in Terms of Endearment.
Walhlberg was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his intense performance as Staff Sergeant Sean Dignam.
Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin, Vera Farmiga, Ray Winstone and Anthony Anderson also starred.
Critical and Commercial Success
Beyond its exceptional performances, The Departed is a masterclass in filmmaking. Scorsese’s direction is assured and stylish, capturing the gritty atmosphere of Boston’s underworld with stunning visuals.
The Departed captured four Oscars at the 79th Academy Awards, winning for Best Picture, Best Director for Scorsese, Best Adapted Screenplay for William Monahan, and Best Film Editing for editor Thelma Schoonmaker.
This was Scorsese’s first and (to date) only Oscar for Best Director in his acclaimed career that includes ten directing nominations. Other films which he received Oscar nominations include Raging Bull, The Last Temptation of Christ, Good Fellas, Gangs of New York, The Aviator, Hugo, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon.
91% of critics and 94% of moviegoers have given The Departed a positive review according to Rotten Tomatoes.
The Departed grossed $132.4 million in the United States and Canada and $159 million in other territories for a total gross of $291.5 million, against a production budget of $90 million.
The film grossed $26.9 million in its opening weekend, becoming Scorsese’s fourth film to debut at number one at the domestic box office.
Conclusion
The film’s themes of identity, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of power remain as relevant today as they were when it was first released. The Departed is a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting caught up in a world of crime and violence. It is a film that challenges our notions of right and wrong, forcing us to question the morality of its characters.
18 years after its release, The Departed continues to be a cinematic masterpiece. It is a film that rewards repeat viewings, revealing new layers of complexity with each watch. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of great storytelling and the enduring appeal of classic crime dramas.
