In Reno, in a brand-new movie theater overlooking the beautiful Truckee River, we saw âThe Departedâ?–starring âJackâ? Nicholson-Matt Damon-Leonardo DicaprioâMark Wahlberg & Alec Baldwin.
All juicy rolesâand very, very–even ridiculously funny.
I canât spoil the terrific script by revealing anythingâyou must see it. âJackâsâ? interpretation of Frank Costello, a Massachusetts mafia chieftain, who specializes in political connections to protect his crime interests- -well,the scene with blood on his hands, is worth the price of the ticket…
At times, the fast-moving dialogue made me think of the brilliant Aaron Sorkinâs witty work (of West Wing fame, now Studio 60)– gone utterly mad and off the map.
And speaking of âWest Wingâ?, Martin Sheen, who played the president in that riveting series, also appears in âThe Departedâ? as the head of an undercover law enforcement office. He’s a civil, soft spoken avuncular type–but I couldn’t help thinking his alter ego was portrayed by actor Mark Wahlberg who stood at Sheen’s left side spewing gutter language.
(This movie’s not for the kiddies).
Is innovative director Martin Scorsese telling us that, these days, in real life, no one is loyal, no one is committed to real ideals and “everybody’s a rat”?
Produced by Brad Pitt and Brad Grey, a fascinating combination of Hollywood & HBO talent.
(Photos: Downtown Reno and scene along the Truckee River near the new Century Movie Theater)