Psst - This section contains some inside trivia about the film
Quotes - Good One Liners from the movie
Oops - Goofs from the movie
Director – Martin Scorsese
Screenplay – William Monahan, Siu Fai Mak and Felix Chong
Frank Costello(Jack Nicholson) is a ruthless Boston Gangster who decides to send an undercover agent, Colin Sullivan(Matt Damon) in the Police Department. Simultaneously Senior Police Officers, Oliver Queenan(Martin Sheen) and Dignam(Mark Wahlberg) decide to send their own rookie officer, William Costigan(Leonardo DiCaprio) as a spy in Sullivan’s gang. While reporting to their actual bosses about the day to day activities, a time comes when both sides suspect a mole in their gang and it all comes down to Colin who has to find out who is the mole in the Police Department and William who has to find the mole in Sullivan’s gang. While being in a major catch – 22 situation, more complexities arise when in between shoot outs and gang wars, they find out that there are a lot more deceptions and after staying as a mole, they start to loose their original identities. Excellent Direction by Scorsese who has given another classic after 2004’s The Aviator. To say that the star cast has acted brilliant would be an understatement. Superb Cinematography by Scorsese favorite Michael Ballhaus and a brilliant script as well. First rate movie which deserves a five star rating and a must see for movie buffs. Very loosely reminds you of the classic Hindi movie – Don.
Psst -
1) Although the movie was based in Boston, the primary shooting was done in New York City due to tax benefits.
2) Robert DeNiro was in serious contender to play Costello and was even approached but had to turn down the role due to his directorial feature, The Good Shepherd. Jack Nicholson had rejected the role but was convinced by Scorsese and DiCaprio to sign.
3) This was Jack’s first movie release in 3 years and Dicaprio’s first release in 2 years.
4) Kate Winslet and later Hilary Swank were considered for the role of Madolyn.
5) The word f and its derivatives were used 237 times in the movie. Very close to the record 246 times used in Scorsese’s earlier venture, Goodfellas. The word c is used 22 times.
6) Bradd Pitt was to play the role of Colin but later decided to produce the movie instead.
7) In Bombay, the movie was released with World Trade Centre which was directed by another mastermind – Oliver Stone. This is the first time that 2 big directors had a same day release in India.
8) Movie was made on a budget of $90 million. It Grossed $26.8 million in the opening weekend in USA alone.
9) The movie was shot way back from April 2005 to September 2005 but post production took a long time and was completed only about a week before the actual release.
10) Director Trademark – Fast Moving Still Shots of Objects.
Quotes
1) “When I was your age they used to say you could become cops or criminals. What I’m saying to you is this, when your facing a loaded gun, what’s the difference? “
2) “God don’t run the bingo, now does he?”
3) “I’m Irish, I’m going to have to deal with something being wrong the rest of my life”
4) “You got a suit at home or do you like coming to work everyday dressed like your going to invade Poland?”
5) “She didn’t notice us, she must be a cop; Yeah, she’s probably the f Police Commissioner.”
6) “You hear me, you two faced faggot?”
7) “What the f? You Motherf, cocks; What the f did you say you cocksu? What the f did you fu say? Your Mother’s c. Your mother’s c;”
8) “You get your period yet?”
9) “Maybe, maybe not. Maybe f yourself.”
10) “Marriage is an important part of getting ahead. It lets people know you’re not a homo. A married guy seems more stable. People see the ring, they think at least somebody can stand the son of a bi. Ladies see the ring, they know immediately that you must have some cash, and your co must work; Yeah, its working overtime.”
Oops-
1) I work in a mobile phone company and I could spot this instantly. When Matt Damon calls Leonardo, Leonardo sees “Unknown user” on his mobile phone but he returns the call. In any mobile phone, it is not possible to return a call if the CLIP displays Unknown User or Private Number.
2) In that very scene when Matt Damon is about to make the call, the blood stain come on the call key and the very next scene it disappears.