Forget Leonardo DiCaprio’s New 98% RT Action Flick & Watch Martin Scorsese’s $291M Crime Movie Instead

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If you ask any movie buff what their favorite Paul Thomas Anderson film is, you’ll probably get a different answer each time. That’s just how he is – every film feels completely unique, yet they all share this incredible quality. From Boogie Nights to Phantom Thread, each one is a genuine masterclass in filmmaking. And his upcoming 2025 film, One Battle After Another, looks set to add to that legacy. I’m really excited about it! It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob, a worried father, and follows his desperate search for his missing daughter within a world of extremism. From what I’ve heard, it’s a really compelling mix of humor and genuinely moving moments – but honestly, I wouldn’t expect anything less from DiCaprio and Anderson.

The Oscar-winning actor has starred in numerous films that are well worth watching again. The movie for which DiCaprio was widely believed to deserve an Oscar was released nearly two decades ago and represented a high point in the careers of both himself and director Martin Scorsese. In the role of an undercover police officer, Billy Costigan, DiCaprio demonstrated his impressive acting range.

The Departed Was as Vicious as Goodfellas

Martin Scorsese, similar to many filmmakers, sometimes faces the issue of being remembered most for just one movie. However, The Departed shouldn’t be overlooked. This film, set in Boston, was an American adaptation of the Hong Kong crime movie Infernal Affairs, which centers around two law enforcement officers who are on opposing sides of a tense situation.

Besides Leonardo DiCaprio, Scorsese chose Boston local Matt Damon for the other main role, which proved to be a brilliant decision. Damon portrayed Colin Sullivan, a character who challenged Billy, and the two developed a rivalry without even knowing the other existed. The Departed follows the beginnings of both characters’ stories until their paths converged at the Boston Police Department, leading to their ultimate fates.

Billy and Colin both began life in comparable situations, but their lives diverged due to the paths they took. Colin was prepared from a young age, not simply for a career in law enforcement, but to secretly work *within* it. A youthful encounter with crime boss Frank Costello led to Colin being raised under Costello’s influence and encouraged to infiltrate the police force as an informant.

Unlike Whitey, Billy had a comparable background. Growing up splitting his time between the tough Southie projects and a wealthier area, Billy was chosen to be an informant due to his ability to blend into different worlds. After being dismissed from the state police, he went to prison as part of his undercover operation and began transporting drugs with his cousin. This caught the notice of Costello, and Billy quickly became deeply involved in the criminal network.

Just two people were aware of Billy’s secret, which created a lot of stress for him. Meanwhile, Colin was enjoying a comfortable life, shielded by Frank and given the task of finding the mole within the department. Billy and Colin were remarkably similar, even to the point of both being attracted to the same woman.

It was only a matter of time before they clashed, and when they finally did, it was a powerful moment. Billy was required to attend therapy by the court, but he genuinely dealt with anxiety due to his difficult experiences. He had witnessed the death of his captain, one of the few people he trusted. His sole focus was uncovering the mole within the police department, and he managed to do so even as he was dying. Colin faced the consequences for his actions, bringing a very satisfying conclusion to a compelling crime film that is definitely worth watching again and again.

Billy Was the True Hero of the Film

Despite the complexities of the situation, Billy is undoubtedly the story’s hero. Both he and Colin are affected by difficult circumstances, but Billy is more clearly motivated by a desire to do what’s right. This strong moral compass led him to join the police academy, even as his mother was seriously ill in the hospital and abandoned by her wealthy family. Billy was willing to give up everything he valued to ensure justice prevailed.

Many people connect with Billy because he consistently faced incredibly difficult circumstances, fighting to maintain his sanity and safety. While working undercover to catch Costello, he received minimal help from the police. He was extremely anxious, and each day required him to remain composed while interacting with a dangerous killer. It was a truly challenging situation. His resilience is remarkable, and many viewers empathize with his struggle.

Despite losing nearly everything he had, he remained steadfast in his commitment. The loss of someone important, and the vanishing of his only other connection, Dignam, could have easily led him to give up. However, Billy held firm to his beliefs and wouldn’t let anything stop him from finding the mole, even if it meant risking his own life.

This is quite different from Colin’s situation, as he was simply rewarded for what he did. He quickly advanced in his career due to his connections and managed to win over Madolyn, the department’s psychiatrist. However, this affection wasn’t earned. Colin hid the truth about his work from her and even penalized her when she attempted honesty. Their relationship was unsustainable, largely because of his illegal activities.

Madolyn sensed something wasn’t right with Colin, and meeting Billy made this feeling much clearer. Unlike Colin, who kept his feelings hidden, Billy was open and honest with her in a way he couldn’t be with others. Ultimately, he confided in only her, revealing his true identity and the fact that Colin was a double agent.

Everything led to a significant conflict between the two men. Colin had grown dissatisfied with Costello’s organization and believed Billy was on the side of justice. However, this was irrelevant because Costello had many informants within the department. Unlike Colin, Billy remained true to himself. Despite working undercover, he never compromised his own beliefs.

Colin was so captivated by Costello that he lost touch with who he really was, and ultimately faced the repercussions of his actions. Billy’s death was especially sad considering all he’d given up to achieve justice, whereas Colin’s death was understandable given his choices. Perhaps most telling, Madolyn’s decision to leave Colin – while likely expecting Billy’s child – clearly showed who was in the right in this situation.

The Departed Works Because of a Larger-Than-Life Villain

For much of his career, Leonardo DiCaprio hasn’t always received the recognition he deserves. DiCaprio became a standout figure in Hollywood, demonstrating his ability to portray complex emotions and subtle details as Billy Costigan.

As a film enthusiast, I always felt he really *embodied* Billy’s crippling anxieties, while also making you feel his deep need for connection. But honestly, those emotional beats just wouldn’t have landed as strongly without a central bad guy to tie everything together. And that villain was Frank Costello, brilliantly played by Jack Nicholson. It was amazing to see Nicholson in this role, especially considering how long it had been since his iconic work in The Shining – he proved he still had *it*!

Costello was a ruthless and dangerous criminal who didn’t hesitate to ruin the lives of others. He raised Colin from childhood, manipulating him like a game piece to achieve his own goals. Jack Nicholson brilliantly portrayed Costello with a mix of humor and fear, highlighting the extent of the criminal’s wickedness and willingness to do anything to get what he wanted.

The greatest danger was naturally to Billy, as he faced possible execution at any time, but also to the dangerous gang members who worked for Costello. Costello began his association with Billy by forcibly removing the cast from Billy’s already broken arm. He then tortured him before allowing him to become part of his group. Costello’s unpredictable behavior and tendency to fly into a rage made him a real danger even to those who were devoted to him.

This anger wasn’t often directed at Colin, but ultimately, he still let down the young man he’d taken under his wing. Billy discovered the department had struggled so much to convict him initially because he was an asset. Though he’d vowed to always stand by Colin, he was shocked to find out Colin wasn’t the only one Costello had working as an informant within the police department. This realization damaged their relationship, making it feel less unique and meaningful.

Without Costello, Billy and Colin wouldn’t have been able to make the changes needed to create such a compelling film. While The Departed is a remake, its success heavily relied on being filmed in Boston and staying true to its characters. The film might not be considered his best work, but that’s likely just because he has such an extensive filmography. The Departed is a modern classic that stands up to any other crime film in the genre.

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2025-10-02 01:42