
director: Martin Scorsese
writer: William Monahan, Sui Fai Mak and Alex Chong (Infernal Affairs)
I was recently treated to a screening of Martin Scorsese's Infernal Affairs remake, starring a bevy of Oscar and other award nominated/winning actors, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen, and MarkWahlberg. And a treat it was to get an early viewing of this ambitious remake. The Departed takes the skeleton of its predecessor and fleshes out the details and gives it a specificity on the streets of Boston.
A cops-and-robbers film, the premise is a simple one: each side has implanted a mole, both high up in the ranks. But there in lies the possibilities. It becomes a cat-and-mouse game of suspenseful complexities.
And the acting is certainly up to par with the caliber of the cast. Jack Nicholson need only to glance at you with those naturally arched eyebrows to instill fear. Alec Baldwin does his best work not as a leading man, but as a sideliner. And Leonardo DiCaprio carries the film. And as juicy as his role was, I couldn't help thinking how DiCaprio would have also been excellent in the Matt Damon role. Also of note is Mark Wahlberg's character whose name is Dignam, which is remarkably like "Digne," a word Chaucer meant as disdainful but also honorable, which the character certainly is.
Is this an Academy Award worthy film? Well, I've come to lose faith in the choices of the Academy. It is not always necessarily the best in the category who takes home the golden statue. But then again, that applies to most award shows, if not all. And of course, a movie's chances depend on its competition. I am sure The Departed will get some nominations, possibly best adapted screenplay and best supporting actor for Jack Nicholson along with some technical nods. I would not be surprised if Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese also receive nods. Scorsese has never won the Oscar, which is a sham considering his older films. But the Academy has been known for making it up by awarding nominees for roles/films that were less worthy. So, who knows?
rating: ****1/2/***** (a must-see)
recommendations: Infernal Affairs, Gangs of New York, Heat