@@sole__doubtit really builds momentum as it goes. After the first hour it’s like a runaway freight train you gotta let it build up to it tho. I remember being a bit bored at first
The point you made about the villians of the story not having sons and the heroes having them made me think of Macbeth. Macbeth's murderous ambition may have made him king but he had no heir and it was Banquo who's sons went on to carry the throne and legacy through future generations.
This was excellent, possibly the best video analysis of The Departed I’ve ever seen on RUclips. You make your points clearly and give examples to back up your interpretations. Hope this gets more views!
YUP. Always used to think of this film as a simple cop thriller. As ive gotten older ive seen it as a religious/philosophical commentary while delving into male identity and fractured masculinity. Its a great film and at par with Goodfellas. And thats what makes a GOOD film; it tells a surface story but also tells a background story thats available for folks who wants to chase it.
Hey man, I know how much effort you put into these videos, and I'm sure it's difficult to justify putting so much time into something when you're not yet getting the views your content deserves. But please keep producing. You have a serious knack and talent and an individual voice in an endless sea of video essays. And that's a rare thing and it would be tragic to squander. It's not too niche, it just hasn't been widely discovered... yet. Your videos on the Fargo seasons were truly masterful. Thank you🙏🏿
Can’t upvote this enough! This was just another INCREDIBLE lense to view another great movie or show by. Have watched this movie countless times and have watched nearly all videos about it and this still had a brand new way to look at this film. I think it’s a true marker of a great piece of art, if you’re able to go back to it and see it through countless different lenses.
Just excellent, bloody well done!!!!!! Yeah I watched this soooooo many times many years ago, such an outstanding film with incredible performances , where Leo definitely should've gotten his first Oscar!
I noticed a lot of comments in other videos who felt bad for Madolyn. I understand that Sullivan wasn’t great ( no character was) but she slept with Billy who was her patient. She maintained her relationship with Sullivan while sleeping with Billy and got pregnant by him. Sullivan subtly finds out he’s not the father but Billy is. She’s pissed at Sullivan for killing Billy
This is also a comfort movie for me for whatever reason. The characters are so substantial and they never get old for me. The way the story concludes has such a violent tragic nature I can’t help but be a little shocked by it every time
I found you Quantum of Solace and Spectere review and i couldnt agree more on it! You found the perfect words for why Quantum is such an amazing movie and Spectere isnt and will check out more of your videos. Earned a new sub. :D
When the part about Colin's potential (very strongly implied now that you'd highlighted it) victimhood by the hands of a clergyman is something that I'd never picked up on and I'm surprised that I hadn't, when I'd caught that implication of Billy having been assaulted during his time in prison the first viewing by how he references the showers in a half-sarcastic manner, then asked if anything happened and he softly replies, "no," while clearly struggling to maintain eye contact. The subtlety of the acting in many scenes add a lot of depth to the themes and motifs. That banana sight gag after the impotence thing was truly brilliant and this film is one that I'd watched more than I can count back in the day due to that odd familiar and comforting vibe it has, despite being a brutal crime drama about deception, identity and masculinity, something about it remains engaging and satisfying every viewing. What did you make of the rat shot at the ending, tons of people crticize the hell out of that shot and idk why it's so polarizing when playing both sides of the cop/criminal coin was such a prominent theme in the film, the shot made a lot of sense. Perhaps it was a bit on the nose and obvious, however some act like that ending completely spoiled the entire film for them and I just don't get it. Many great films have one shot/line or aspect that is out of place or otherwise a stupid choice to make in an otherwise solid film and hardly is a rat crawling along a railing after Colin is executed a shot that even garners much response from me at all either way. If anything I think of it as more black comedy than overt symbolism, which is likewise true but I think the vibes of the film point to the former being more likely than a spelling it out for you message about informing/ratting/snitching/etc.
I think when something is so obvious that even the normies catch it, the “smart” film watchers hate on that obvious thing because they no longer get to feel superior. So sure, the rat shot is on the nose, but who cares. I like it
i've seen the movie at least 12 times and i've seen tonss of video-essays about it over the years, but certain things you brought up, i never heard of and i agree with you.
Great breakdown, but I must say Dignam was of the few people that knew the risks Costigan was taking for a year yet really wasn't supportive at all. Dignam was a great character, but a toxic meathead from the start. His willingness to deal in deception, massive ego, the frequent need to ridicule and berate his key informant and just all around toxic masculinity (albeit hilarious at times) most likely hindered Dignam's judgement and trust in Costigan. Completely vanished when Costigan and Queenan needed him. If it wasn't for his massive ego Dignam could have been more present in the last act/in the event of Queenan's demise. Costigan obviously trusted Queenan more, which sadly led to Queenan's death. Digman did get the last laugh, but it was after all the dust had cleared.If anything it was more at the epilogue and when significant deaths happen at that point of the film it feels more of just a treat, a cherry on top compared to cold, ruthless revenge. But that's usually how Scorsese films play out.
I have always revered this movie for multiple reasons and watch it at least annually, yet didn't really understand why, until I found a piece someone wrote that stated that Anerican Beauty serves as an antithesis, a rebuttal and contradictory sequel to Vladimir Nabokov's novel Lolita, which is another favorite of mine. This was a huge revelation for me and when i took time to think about that theory, I found that it rang absolutely true for me. Humbert is modernized and diluted into the native American born downtrodden character of Lester. Both characters fight their given fight to their respective ends, of how to reconcile expectations versus reality. Although Lester never gets his Lolita as Humbert did, he finally understands and accepts why that can't happen and he accepts it before his death. When I put these two seemingly unrelated things together, i find that its the best explanation of why the American dream can be so heartbreaking and treacherous, yet still simultaneously beckoning with hope and beauty in its grasp upon us.
Interesting analysis of this film. One thing I find curious is how Billy Costigan's mother and father ever got together given their different social classes and status?
Great analysis. Bravo. And there is a cross that mark ghe death of Frank Costello/Nicholson, the first time we see him in shadows in the garagae, there is a metal/iron structure at the begiinning of the lateral shot, bearly a second. But that shows Costello is doomed. He wait for death like all of us.
One of my favorite vodeos of all time tbh ..could you also take a look at the Arnold swatzenager movie sabotage? Its very similar to the Departed and Seven put together but with a police narcotics unit instead of just cops.
I usually hate video essays, but my God if you didn’t hit every proverbial nail on the head (with the exception of the molestation background; too tenuous). Bro, every piece of this was objectively accurate. The fragile masculinity, Madeline’s predilection to seek out broken men, exemplified through your astute observation of her nonplussed reaction to Colin’s contrived displeasure with the food and French reference.
So you have to be molested to be homophobic? That sounds kinda homophobic.. Russia uses the fear of "the gay pedo" to be pass homophobic laws. This video is what is sounds like to hear someone crank off and have a hategasm at a fine movie.
Macabre Storytelling made a good case as to "Why The Departed Sucks". I'm not sure I agree but when he makes the case, it's pretty compelling. And I'm aware that it's based on Infernal Affairs. I only mention it because I like smaller channels like yours and Macabre Storytelling (which has fairly recently become pretty big, hopefully yours will go that way too) and noticed that channel's latest upload is why it "sucks" (redux).
especially in US society, where it's repeated ad nauseam that a man has to have status & money, otherwise he will not be attractive, not being wanted by women, we can't talk about how such picture of masculinity is being molded and supported by women... both sexes are connected and unfortunately and put pressure on each other... what is sexual is flexible through history however not that plastic.. both sexes define the ideal opposites and those come from current societal norms & economics... this can't be a mono conversation, it has to be stereo... and please understand that this is not about blaming any side, just to acknowledge how our lives are connected even when we try sometimes to pretend it's not like that...
In America all negative personality traits are considered masculine while women are told thier faults are actually strength. Because America is run for profit, women make a majority of the purchases for the house, you will rarely see anything on TV that even suggests women are not devine.
Never ever considered the film to be an allegory for masculinity. I mean, I was 22 when this was released, I just thought it was a perfect crime drama. But it's all there, wow. Thank you for this. Great vid.
If you’re exploring masculinity, toxic masculinity and/or toxic femininity it would’ve been necessary to define these terms first. However you may have purposely bypassed this step because defining these terms would’ve been too complex or socio-politically distasteful for you.
An amazing commentary. It’s just a shame your name and opening sequence comes off as “feminist”. Because this is the exact kind of video Andrew Tate bros would love to watch. Just saying bro. You got the potential
That movie came out like 30 years ago. We're you not living in a binary in the 90s? I'm beginning to think toxic masculinity existed to prevent historical amnesia
In Bruges always cheers me up, love a deep murder tale.
I agree. I still haven’t watched his new film but I’m looking forward to it
I love Colins work but I cant get into IB. I should try to watch it again.
@@sole__doubtit really builds momentum as it goes. After the first hour it’s like a runaway freight train you gotta let it build up to it tho. I remember being a bit bored at first
@@thekidwhodraws Yeah i need to try it again.
Your content is criminally underrated.
I second that statement!
100%
str8 up
Kinda bland if you ask me
The point you made about the villians of the story not having sons and the heroes having them made me think of Macbeth. Macbeth's murderous ambition may have made him king but he had no heir and it was Banquo who's sons went on to carry the throne and legacy through future generations.
It's 10/10 a comfort movie. The dvd also plays through automatically from the menu, so it's a great one to play through the night.
This was excellent, possibly the best video analysis of The Departed I’ve ever seen on RUclips. You make your points clearly and give examples to back up your interpretations. Hope this gets more views!
Bro you new here?
YUP. Always used to think of this film as a simple cop thriller. As ive gotten older ive seen it as a religious/philosophical commentary while delving into male identity and fractured masculinity. Its a great film and at par with Goodfellas. And thats what makes a GOOD film; it tells a surface story but also tells a background story thats available for folks who wants to chase it.
Damn, you totally made me look at this film from another perspective 👍🏾 Awesome stuff
Hey man, I know how much effort you put into these videos, and I'm sure it's difficult to justify putting so much time into something when you're not yet getting the views your content deserves. But please keep producing. You have a serious knack and talent and an individual voice in an endless sea of video essays. And that's a rare thing and it would be tragic to squander. It's not too niche, it just hasn't been widely discovered... yet. Your videos on the Fargo seasons were truly masterful. Thank you🙏🏿
Needed this. Thanks
Can’t upvote this enough! This was just another INCREDIBLE lense to view another great movie or show by. Have watched this movie countless times and have watched nearly all videos about it and this still had a brand new way to look at this film. I think it’s a true marker of a great piece of art, if you’re able to go back to it and see it through countless different lenses.
The homoerotic and pdf angle were a great catch man. Nice work
Great video , once again. As you know, I absolutely love The Departed but I've never thought of it in these terms. Keep up the good work!
Just excellent, bloody well done!!!!!! Yeah I watched this soooooo many times many years ago, such an outstanding film with incredible performances , where Leo definitely should've gotten his first Oscar!
I noticed a lot of comments in other videos who felt bad for Madolyn. I understand that Sullivan wasn’t great ( no character was) but she slept with Billy who was her patient. She maintained her relationship with Sullivan while sleeping with Billy and got pregnant by him. Sullivan subtly finds out he’s not the father but Billy is. She’s pissed at Sullivan for killing Billy
Seeing this 3 years later. Hope all is well dude.
Your content is criminally underrated indeed
How?
There is zero synthesis?
It's like hearing someone talk about the departed who hates the departed?
What is underrated about that?
Literally every scorsese movie is abt fractured masculinity
This is also a comfort movie for me for whatever reason. The characters are so substantial and they never get old for me. The way the story concludes has such a violent tragic nature I can’t help but be a little shocked by it every time
Brilliant analysis, the lack of a motherly figure also contributes to this masculine fragmentation
I've watched this movie countless times and your take has been insanely insightful even after all these years. The X's revelation blew my mind!
I found you Quantum of Solace and Spectere review and i couldnt agree more on it! You found the perfect words for why Quantum is such an amazing movie and Spectere isnt and will check out more of your videos. Earned a new sub. :D
Really interesting work. Was engrossed when I was young and you really did the story justice.
What a great insight now I can watch it with a different viewpoint
When the part about Colin's potential (very strongly implied now that you'd highlighted it) victimhood by the hands of a clergyman is something that I'd never picked up on and I'm surprised that I hadn't, when I'd caught that implication of Billy having been assaulted during his time in prison the first viewing by how he references the showers in a half-sarcastic manner, then asked if anything happened and he softly replies, "no," while clearly struggling to maintain eye contact. The subtlety of the acting in many scenes add a lot of depth to the themes and motifs. That banana sight gag after the impotence thing was truly brilliant and this film is one that I'd watched more than I can count back in the day due to that odd familiar and comforting vibe it has, despite being a brutal crime drama about deception, identity and masculinity, something about it remains engaging and satisfying every viewing.
What did you make of the rat shot at the ending, tons of people crticize the hell out of that shot and idk why it's so polarizing when playing both sides of the cop/criminal coin was such a prominent theme in the film, the shot made a lot of sense. Perhaps it was a bit on the nose and obvious, however some act like that ending completely spoiled the entire film for them and I just don't get it. Many great films have one shot/line or aspect that is out of place or otherwise a stupid choice to make in an otherwise solid film and hardly is a rat crawling along a railing after Colin is executed a shot that even garners much response from me at all either way. If anything I think of it as more black comedy than overt symbolism, which is likewise true but I think the vibes of the film point to the former being more likely than a spelling it out for you message about informing/ratting/snitching/etc.
I think when something is so obvious that even the normies catch it, the “smart” film watchers hate on that obvious thing because they no longer get to feel superior. So sure, the rat shot is on the nose, but who cares. I like it
i've seen the movie at least 12 times and i've seen tonss of video-essays about it over the years, but certain things you brought up, i never heard of and i agree with you.
Great breakdown, but I must say Dignam was of the few people that knew the risks Costigan was taking for a year yet really wasn't supportive at all.
Dignam was a great character, but a toxic meathead from the start. His willingness to deal in deception, massive ego, the frequent need to ridicule and berate his key informant and just all around toxic masculinity (albeit hilarious at times) most likely hindered Dignam's judgement and trust in Costigan. Completely vanished when Costigan and Queenan needed him. If it wasn't for his massive ego Dignam could have been more present in the last act/in the event of Queenan's demise. Costigan obviously trusted Queenan more, which sadly led to Queenan's death.
Digman did get the last laugh, but it was after all the dust had cleared.If anything it was more at the epilogue and when significant deaths happen at that point of the film it feels more of just a treat, a cherry on top compared to cold, ruthless revenge. But that's usually how Scorsese films play out.
You’re 100% right. His hilarious use of slurs just biased me lol
I saw this movie so many times as a teenager and you point it out things i never considered
This film is car wreck after car wreck, and it is mesmerizing.
Very good video, I could listen to you analyze this film longer, I wish this was 40 minutes longer
I always thought Colin homophobia was because he was closeted
Extremely well done.
no
This is just absolutely masterful analysis. Bravo.
Thank you
Only masterful if you attended gender studies
Great analysis! Keep up the fine work!
Cheers!
You made madelines character deeper than it seemed
You guys are fucking amazing! Super underrated you guys are one of my many inspirations
Thank you so much for this One. I didn't know this Movie runs so deep.
13:48 Exquisite Observation.
XX
I knew it all but didn't know I knew it! Great video
I have always revered this movie for multiple reasons and watch it at least annually, yet didn't really understand why, until I found a piece someone wrote that stated that Anerican Beauty serves as an antithesis, a rebuttal and contradictory sequel to Vladimir Nabokov's novel Lolita, which is another favorite of mine. This was a huge revelation for me and when i took time to think about that theory, I found that it rang absolutely true for me. Humbert is modernized and diluted into the native American born downtrodden character of Lester. Both characters fight their given fight to their respective ends, of how to reconcile expectations versus reality. Although Lester never gets his Lolita as Humbert did, he finally understands and accepts why that can't happen and he accepts it before his death. When I put these two seemingly unrelated things together, i find that its the best explanation of why the American dream can be so heartbreaking and treacherous, yet still simultaneously beckoning with hope and beauty in its grasp upon us.
Brilliant analysis
this is a very well made video! Makes a lot of sense to things I never connected in one of my favorite movies.
You ate this!!!
brilliant fucking video. well done.
Brilliant doesn't mean much across the pond does it?
A Bug or a Feature Productions, it doesn’t.
There’s a theory that Colin is closeted. Which actually makes sense when you think of it.
6:05 call it a montage but that was amazingly edited, really good timing for the cuts too
Amazing breakdown. Unraveling the subconscious of the movie. 🙌
This is my first time commenting on a RUclips video. This was dope
Something a cop would say.
This is a great video; keep putting out great content and you will blow up at some point for sure
Like pink mist blow up?
I'd give that a "like"
This is amazing content!
Just discovered your analysis videos. I'd love your take on Cloud Atlas.
Fantastic video, I loved it!
Entertaining and informative. Hope you're ok.
Interesting analysis of this film. One thing I find curious is how Billy Costigan's mother and father ever got together given their different social classes and status?
True, usually when people from different classes partner up, it’s the woman moving up the ladder
Great analysis. Bravo.
And there is a cross that mark ghe death of Frank Costello/Nicholson, the first time we see him in shadows in the garagae, there is a metal/iron structure at the begiinning of the lateral shot, bearly a second. But that shows Costello is doomed. He wait for death like all of us.
Great stuff, subscribed to the channel for this. I watched a couple of your other videos but this made be click the subscribe button.
Great video
Only thing you were wrong about is the departed absolutely IS a comfort movie
Colin is totally gay.
One of my favorite vodeos of all time tbh ..could you also take a look at the Arnold swatzenager movie sabotage? Its very similar to the Departed and Seven put together but with a police narcotics unit instead of just cops.
Interesting video, hope you’re doing better
I usually hate video essays, but my God if you didn’t hit every proverbial nail on the head (with the exception of the molestation background; too tenuous). Bro, every piece of this was objectively accurate. The fragile masculinity, Madeline’s predilection to seek out broken men, exemplified through your astute observation of her nonplussed reaction to Colin’s contrived displeasure with the food and French reference.
So you have to be molested to be homophobic?
That sounds kinda homophobic.. Russia uses the fear of "the gay pedo" to be pass homophobic laws.
This video is what is sounds like to hear someone crank off and have a hategasm at a fine movie.
pure class
Good video, gave me more appreciation for the film which I wasn't overly impressed with on first watch.
Macabre Storytelling made a good case as to "Why The Departed Sucks". I'm not sure I agree but when he makes the case, it's pretty compelling.
And I'm aware that it's based on Infernal Affairs.
I only mention it because I like smaller channels like yours and Macabre Storytelling (which has fairly recently become pretty big, hopefully yours will go that way too) and noticed that channel's latest upload is why it "sucks" (redux).
The departed is a great movie. .
Unless yer a fyaaaaag
especially in US society, where it's repeated ad nauseam that a man has to have status & money, otherwise he will not be attractive, not being wanted by women, we can't talk about how such picture of masculinity is being molded and supported by women... both sexes are connected and unfortunately and put pressure on each other... what is sexual is flexible through history however not that plastic.. both sexes define the ideal opposites and those come from current societal norms & economics... this can't be a mono conversation, it has to be stereo... and please understand that this is not about blaming any side, just to acknowledge how our lives are connected even when we try sometimes to pretend it's not like that...
In America all negative personality traits are considered masculine while women are told thier faults are actually strength. Because America is run for profit, women make a majority of the purchases for the house, you will rarely see anything on TV that even suggests women are not devine.
As you guys dig deep into this analysis.....
I use this movie for the one liners lol
mind blown
What’s the purpose of the head of the police force having the last name Queenan?
You missed a couple "X" scenes lol but great video. Great movie.
Never ever considered the film to be an allegory for masculinity. I mean, I was 22 when this was released, I just thought it was a perfect crime drama. But it's all there, wow. Thank you for this. Great vid.
Because its not
@luless666 now what's your counter-argument?
very nice
You should watch the original movie it's based on and see if it's the same theme.
This clip is SUSPECT!!!!!!!
Pretty good
Thx
Oh!… you should discuss toxic femininity from the devil wears Prada!
Or don't because I'm not a chick and that sounds dumb.
@ funny… you sound like one
@ and shouldn’t the username be ignorant arrogance?… js, pretentious illiterate
I think you are based, not based on this video alone but based on your others and the movies you base them on. Cheers, that is all.
Lol first time I’ve heard this
defarted
Detarded
I like your videos
I like your comment
If you’re exploring masculinity, toxic masculinity and/or toxic femininity it would’ve been necessary to define these terms first. However you may have purposely bypassed this step because defining these terms would’ve been too complex or socio-politically distasteful for you.
Who is going to watch this and need more defined? I think most will get it. Which is good enough for me
@@FallopiumFilmsyou could’ve defined them in a reply to him. But you didn’t for the reasons he originally listed.
An amazing commentary. It’s just a shame your name and opening sequence comes off as “feminist”. Because this is the exact kind of video Andrew Tate bros would love to watch. Just saying bro. You got the potential
I'm not sure I'd want either of those fanbases
@@FallopiumFilms yeah i get that, i just think that they need perspectives like yours
When I finished this movie for the first time i was just convinced they were all tryna stay in the closet as long as possible all of em😂
Hidden? Lol
Thought you had to know something about masculinity in order to speak to it….
Alright, where are we fighting?
I was thinking the same think the whole video, David.
You really hit the nail on the head
@@FallopiumFilms you have to know something about fighting before you can take part, twinkeltoes.
Broken masculinity and ignoring something better. Madeline and Billy could have made more money and been in better environments but liked the filth.
@@FallopiumFilmsI know your reply is two years old but this is one of the the best comebacks I’ve seen a RUclipsr make. He didn’t even reply.
sick sick sick stuff, im glad i didn't watch the movie when it came out, what a binary world that is.
That movie came out like 30 years ago.
We're you not living in a binary in the 90s?
I'm beginning to think toxic masculinity existed to prevent historical amnesia
@@John_Malka-tits 30 years ago? 2006, clown. Toxic masculinity doesn't exist
Toxic masculinity doesn't exist.
Never have and anyone purporting such nonsense is not to be taken seriously.
oh, yes, it definitely does
@@sole__doubtyou can be taken as dumb
rubbish
Great video
Great video
Thank you