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.
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.
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!
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!
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 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
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.
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
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.
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?
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).
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Your content is criminally underrated.
I second that statement!
100%
str8 up
Kinda bland if you ask me
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.
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?
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.
Brilliant analysis, the lack of a motherly figure also contributes to this masculine fragmentation
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 saw this movie so many times as a teenager and you point it out things i never considered
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 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
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?
What a great insight now I can watch it with a different viewpoint
this is a very well made video! Makes a lot of sense to things I never connected in one of my favorite movies.
The homoerotic and pdf angle were a great catch man. Nice work
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.
You guys are fucking amazing! Super underrated you guys are one of my many inspirations
brilliant fucking video. well done.
Brilliant doesn't mean much across the pond does it?
A Bug or a Feature Productions, it doesn’t.
This is just absolutely masterful analysis. Bravo.
Thank you
Only masterful if you attended gender studies
Extremely well done.
no
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
Great analysis! Keep up the fine work!
Cheers!
Amazing breakdown. Unraveling the subconscious of the movie. 🙌
Great video
Thank you so much for this One. I didn't know this Movie runs so deep.
13:48 Exquisite Observation.
XX
Only thing you were wrong about is the departed absolutely IS a comfort movie
pure class
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"
Interesting video, hope you’re doing better
Toxic masculinity doesn't exist.
Never have and anyone purporting such nonsense is not to be taken seriously.
This is amazing content!
Fantastic video, I loved it!
6:05 call it a montage but that was amazingly edited, really good timing for the cuts too
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 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.
Thx
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
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).
The departed is a great movie. .
Unless yer a fyaaaaag
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?
You missed a couple "X" scenes lol but great video. Great movie.
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😂
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.
You should watch the original movie it's based on and see if it's the same theme.
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
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
rubbish
Great video