The Departed (2006)

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Martin Scorsese helms this dramatic thriller about an undercover cop (Leonardo DiCaprio) and a gang mole in the Boston police (Matt Damon) who race to uncover each other’s identities while a powerful mobster (Jack Nicholson) manipulates them both to his own, nefarious advantage. The Departed, inspired by the true story of Irish mobster Whitey Bulger, hits the ground running and never lets up on the tension as it spins its web. DiCaprio delivers a gripping performance as the isolated undercover agent, fearful for his life as he’s forced to chum up to the diabolical Nicholson. This is the Nicholson we all want and need in our lives, the devilish one that mugs for the camera and chews up the scenery. You can’t take your eyes off him. Damon delivers the third solid leading performance, playing the sort of handsome devil that charms your pants off while he sticks it in you.

By its mid-point, I found myself completely engrossed with this movie and unable to guess how it would resolve. I invested in every character and held my breath at every chance someone’s cover might be blown. The storytelling momentum is simply unparalleled. That’s usually a set-up for a disappointing ending, but Scorsese and screenwriter William Monahan prove otherwise, delivering a resolution that threads the needle. The formidable supporting cast includes Martin Sheen as a sympathetic police captain and Mark Wahlberg as his gruff staff sergeant. Vera Farmiga, Alec Baldwin, and Ray Winstone are also put to terrific use, as are composer Howard Shore and cinematographer Michael Ballhaus.

Academy Awards: Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay (William Monahan), Film Editing (Thelma Schoonmaker)

Oscar Nomination: Best Supporting Actor (Mark Wahlberg)