“The Departed” A story of love and betrayal woven through a pseudo-father-son relationship *Note! Contains spoilers

*This article touches on the core of the story, so we recommend reading it after watching the movie.

Index

• Loneliness, violence, madness, good and evil...Scorsese's signature
• Pseudo-father-son relationship
• Demonic Father
• Mouse Country

Loneliness, violence, madness, good and evil...Scorsese's signature

A storm is approaching

My life is threatened

If we don't get shelter

Yeah, I'm going to disappear

The Departed(2006) opens with the Rolling Stones' " Gimme Shelter ." Written in the midst of the Vietnam War, this song is an apocalyptic rock song about the violence of the American state. Apparently, director Martin Scorsese is a big fan of this song, and he also used it as an insert song in Goodfellas (1990) and Casino (1995). This song is perhaps the most succinct expression of Scorsese's signature of loneliness, violence, madness, and good and evil.

This film is a remake of the Hong Kong noir film " Infernal Affairs " (2002), starring Tony Léon: The Professional and Andy Lau. Shortly after its release in 2003, Warner Bros. acquired the remake rights for $1.75 million. William Monahan, who was invited to write the screenplay, moved the setting from the sweaty and humid Hong Kong to Southie, a crime-ridden area south of Boston, and wrote a bloody crime suspense story.

Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), who was raised by Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson), the boss of a gang that controls the entire region, is sent to the Massachusetts State Police as an informant (rat) who secretly informs the police of their movements. Meanwhile, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), who The Graduate from the police academy with honors, is ordered to infiltrate Costello's organization. Before long, the destinies of the two men, who are given completely opposite roles, intersect.

The Departed(c)Photofest / Getty Images

Martin Scorsese said he didn't realize it was a remake of a Hong Kong film until he Signs the contract (even though he's such a cinephile!). However, "The Departed" is unmistakably a Scorsese film, incorporating motifs of loneliness, violence, madness, and good and evil. And another theme that has been used repeatedly in his films, the "pseudo-father-son relationship," is also strongly reflected in the film. In the end, it tells the story of a father who loses his throne due to his son's betrayal.

Eddie (Paul Newman) and Vincent (Tom Cruise) in " The Color of Money " (1986), Jimmy (Robert De Niro) and Hill (Ray Liotta) in " Goodfellas " (1990), and Bill (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Amsterdam (Leonardo DiCaprio) in "Gangs of New York " (2002). "The Departed" also tells the story of the love and betrayal between a pseudo father and son, Frank and Colin.

Pseudo-father-son relationship