Friends, we gather here today to honor our dear "Departed" . . . That would be Martin Scorsese's "The Departed," the brilliantly acted, brilliantly scripted and, of course, brilliantly directed mafia movie that's poised to bring one of America's finest filmmakers his overdue Oscar. We'll all find out Sunday.
In the meantime, if you've dodged the theatrical run, pounce now on the two-disc special-edition DVD ($34.99, Warner Bros.), loaded with extra-special extras, and see what all the fuss is about.
You don't have to be a fan of this bloody genre — all guts, little glory — to recognize the genius of the little director from Little Italy. Inspired by a Hong Kong gem called "Infernal Affairs," the film is set in Boston and explores the interwoven world of cops, criminals and the moles who infiltrate each realm.
Scorsese's artful intercuts, angles, backdrops and lighting are nearly as compelling as the onscreen action, and all work together in a kind of movie mosaic that is at once beautiful and ugly — befitting of a film whose violence is justthisclose to nauseating.
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On the frontlines, you have genuine star power. Yet, if there's a chink in this cast's armor, it's Jack Nicholson, who as crime boss Frank Costello can't seem to break free of his own caricature, which late in his career manifests itself from film to film as arched eyebrows, maniacal smile and eccentric behavior. It isn't that it doesn't work; it just isn't fresh.
On the other hand, Leonardo DiCaprio as Billy Costigan and Matt Damon as Colin Sullivan, the dueling moles, have never been better. Add in Mark Wahlberg's gritty, foul-mouthed detective, and you have some of the best performances of 2006, all aided by explosive dialogue and a plot that moves briskly, purposefully and with enough twists to bring Chubby Checker out of retirement.
As for the extras, the best of the bunch might just be the nine deleted scenes — not because you missed anything, but because Scorsese introduces each clip. His commentary is insightful and edifying, offering a truly intimate look at the sometimes-difficult decisions directors make in polishing their projects. Always effusive in praise for the actors and writers whose performances and dialogue were left on the cutting-room floor, this master artist might just as well have been teaching a class in filmmaking.
The DVD also hauls out a Turner Classic Movies profile — "Scorsese on Scorsese" — as well as an interesting feature on the Boston mob and the real-life gangster on whom Nicholson's character is based.
DVDs being released today
"Flushed Away": A pet mouse is accidentally flushed down the toilet. (Voices of Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet and Andy Serkis) Rated PG.
"The Prestige": Dueling magicians attempt to one-up the other. (Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Scarlett Johansson) Rated PG-13.
"Man of the Year": Comedian runs for president of the United States. (Robin Williams, Christopher Walken, Lewis Black) Rated PG-13.
"Babel": Four groups of people become intertwined as one. (Brad Pitt, Gael García Bernal, Cate Blanchett) Rated R.
"Crossover": Two basketball players live similar but different lives. (Anthony Mackie, Wesley Jonathan, Wayne Brady) Rated PG-13.
"For Your Consideration": Small film gets Oscar buzz and hilarity ensues. (Christopher Guest, Eugene Levy, Ricky Gervais) Rated PG-13.
"Shut Up & Sing": A look at the Dixie Chicks after Natalie Maines' anti-Bush remark. (Natalie Maines, Emily Robison, Martie Maguire) Rated R.
