My wife and I liked it. Definately better than most movies that are out now (haven't see Little Miss Sunshine), but one of the greatest ? Who knows.Nicholson has perfected the art of sonambulism. It appears that he hasn't changed much since About Schmidt and that role was very much a a caricature. He's the big persona that everyone in the audience is initially attracted to, but really, by the middle of the movie most of the other actors have surpassed him.
DiCaprio does an outstanding job in depicting barely controlled rage tinged with vulnerability. I would not be surprised if he gets an Oscar nod. He was believable and made you feel anxious when he was onscreen- none of the other actors were able to evoke that kind of reaction among the audience. It will be interesting to see if DiCaprio develops further as an actor.
Matt Damon does a good job depicting the alpha who for most of the movie knows he is invulnerable. He excudes cockiness and bravura, but still lets you know there is considerable depth below the surface. Will this role resurrect him as actor, who knows ?
Marky Mark was a single dimension, but then again that was his character. Didn't expect the final twist though and that does add a bit to understanding his characters motivation.Martin Sheen was the sacrificial lamb, but he could have done much more with his role. You know his character is honest and serious, but you no sense of his character's motivation. I expected more out of Sheen.
Famigia (sp?), aka Madalyne; was generic. Any number of actresses could have played her with equal effectiveness.
Alec Baldwin's character was a buffoon and he played it well; maybe it was easy for him ?
Liked the plot (I have not seen the Hong Kong original- may rent it this winter). While the begining hinted at it, by the end it was bluntly obvious that all of the main characters were really the same even though they appeared to be working seperate angles. This point I think, could have been presented with more sublty by Scorcese. By the end you feel that you have been bludgeoned with the reality. Maybe he thought that most audiences would not get it ? If so, then he really has fallen as a director, or at least has lost confidence in his ability.
Best,
Ross
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Topic - Saw the Departed last night. - Ross 07:47:26 10/29/06 (31)
- Jesus... I wish for once WIld Strawberries received this much attention and analysis - Victor Khomenko 05:52:04 10/30/06 (19)
- If it were to get a wide theatrical release......nt - Analog Scott 20:02:02 10/30/06 (2)
- There is some truth to that statement... - Victor Khomenko 04:23:21 10/31/06 (1)
- as an open forum .. - Analog Scott 16:32:04 10/31/06 (0)
- Grey Poupon is bad enough by itself, but mustard on strawberries ...? Yuck! - Audiophilander 09:20:01 10/30/06 (0)
- Have you seen the rather fine English-dubbed version? - clarkjohnsen 09:06:48 10/30/06 (1)
- No... - Victor Khomenko 09:54:14 10/30/06 (0)
- Did you ever respond to my opinion of the second Ioselliani film I saw? nt - tinear 08:19:32 10/30/06 (1)
- I don't recall... please refresh my memory! - Victor Khomenko 08:36:44 10/30/06 (0)
- Re: Jesus... I wish for once WIld Strawberries received this much attention and analysis - rico 08:16:32 10/30/06 (8)
- LOTR (All Of Them) Were About The Most Overrated Film I've Ever Seen.... - Draz 12:15:17 10/30/06 (6)
- Re: LOTR (All Of Them) Were About The Most Overrated Film I've Ever Seen.... - rico 14:21:10 10/30/06 (5)
- Then you are not qualified to discuss it... - Victor Khomenko 04:22:03 10/31/06 (3)
- Re: Then you are not qualified to discuss it... - rico 09:38:55 10/31/06 (2)
- I'm Embarrased To Say I Made It Through The Whole Stinkfest.... - Draz 10:44:01 10/31/06 (0)
- We'll see if AuPh gives you a pass on that - Victor Khomenko 10:42:11 10/31/06 (0)
- Re: LOTR (All Of Them) Were About The Most Overrated Film I've Ever Seen.... - Jimmy NYC 15:46:16 10/30/06 (0)
- Finally, we agree. Damning with pretty faint praise, but I'll take it. nt - tinear 08:18:51 10/30/06 (0)
- Perhaps I'll liken it to Pepsi-despite not seeing it! (NT) - commonjailpig@yahoo.com 06:30:54 10/30/06 (1)
- A Diet Soda Forum would sound about right (NT) - Victor Khomenko 07:13:16 10/30/06 (0)
- Excellent analysis. Two minor quibbles... - sjb 10:59:35 10/29/06 (1)
- Re: Excellent analysis. Two minor quibbles... - Ross 13:26:16 10/29/06 (0)
- See the original - Jon L 09:21:15 10/29/06 (7)
- I have seen the original. In the theater. - Harmonia 13:01:38 10/31/06 (0)
- Hey, if these guys like soap-quality writing, why quibble with 'em? It's - tinear 13:23:51 10/29/06 (5)
- Dude, where do you eat? America has the best food in the world - Analog Scott 15:50:29 10/29/06 (1)
- Dude, how do you define American food? What tens - tinear 05:00:41 10/30/06 (0)
- Isn't that like complaining Coca Cola contains too much sugar? It's done on purpose - Victor Khomenko 15:19:51 10/29/06 (2)
- Re: Isn't that like complaining Coca Cola contains too much sugar? It's done on purpose - jamesgarvin 17:25:54 10/29/06 (1)
- He-he... not bad... not bad... (nt) - Victor Khomenko 06:11:51 10/30/06 (0)
- You hit the nail on the head... almost - commonjailpig@yahoo.com 08:43:10 10/29/06 (0)