Scorsese's "The Departed" Disappoints

Many movie goers gave "The Departed" rave reviews. Many Scorsese fans have commented that the Boston crime drama signaled the director's return to the kind of hard-edged story telling form that has made him a movie making icon. I am certainly a Scorsese fan but I can't say I share the same enthusiasm for his latest project. Though the story was interesting, I thought a few of the characters were unreal, as if they were mere devices used by the writer for effect rather then authentic characters. Some of the problem is due to the dialogue that I personally found a bit overwrought. Cops constantly acting unprofessional, fighting with each other, verbally accosting each other, etc., just was a little hard to believe after awhile. Because of the over-the-top dialogue, unbelievable characters, and at times overcomplicated plot, I found myself taken out of the movie rather than drawn into it. Despite these distracting short comings, the movie did have some great moments and some superb acting. In particular, Leonardo Di Caprio was outstanding. It was worth the admission just to watch him do his thing. But in the end, I was left disappointed by Scorsese's latest effort.

10.11.2006. 12:28