In the crime thriller, The Departed, Matt Damon delivered a riveting performance as Colin Sullivan, a cunning and ambitious police officer torn between his allegiance to the law and his hidden ties to a notorious Irish mob boss. Damon masterfully portrays Sullivan’s complex character, seamlessly balancing charm, intelligence, and an underlying sense of menace.
As a double agent, he skillfully navigates the treacherous world of crime and law enforcement, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. Damon’s nuanced portrayal of Sullivan adds depth and intrigue to the film, cementing his status as a versatile and captivating actor in this gripping Martin Scorsese masterpiece. He once shared that Jack Nicholson made some writing contributions to the film.
Matt Recalled Jack Nicholson’s Sinister Idea For A Scene
In a candid interview, Matt Damon delighted fans and movie-goers with captivating behind-the-scenes anecdotes, shedding light on the dynamic process of script alterations that unfolded during filming. Revealing a facet of his creative prowess, Nicholson proudly proclaimed himself as not only a brilliant actor but also “a f**king great writer.”
Crafted by the talented William Monahan, the screenplay stands as a pivotal factor in the film’s widespread acclaim. Yet, during a captivating interview on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast, Matt Damon recounted an intriguing revelation about Jack Nicholson’s involvement.
“He goes, ‘I do the thing, and I shoot her in the back of the head like it says in the script’,” Damon recalled his co-star saying. “Now, you could end the scene there, but if you keep the camera rolling, I turn to Ray and I say, ‘Geez, she fell funny.’ Now, that’s a very sinister line. It suggests that I’ve done this before. There’s a way that people fall. Now you could end the scene there, but if you keep the camera rolling, Ray reveals an axe that he’s holding behind his back. He’s gonna chop her up… I think I want to f*ck her again.”
While the nature of the suggestions ventured into graphic territory, it is intriguing to note that some of them found their way into Martin Scorsese’s vision.
The Departed Earned Martin Scorsese His Only Oscar
Jack Nicholson’s innovative proposition to alter the victim’s gender and introduce the memorable “she fell funny” line found its place within the final cut. Additionally, his suggestion to portray gangster Arnold ‘Frenchie’ French, portrayed by Ray Winstone, wielding a menacing hatchet was embraced and brought to life on the screen.
Martin Scorsese’s long-awaited triumph arrived as he claimed the coveted Oscar for Best Director for the film. The recognition was a testament to his extraordinary talent and contributions to cinema, solidifying his status as one of the greatest directors of our time.
The Departed is available for streaming on HBO Max.
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