The Departed Opening Sequence Analysis

The Departed (2006) is a big budget, big line-up film which was quickly tipped for greatness. 4 academy awards and greatly positive reviews confirm is place as one of the elite films of the 2000s. A whopping 18.36 minute introduction makes thorough analysis rather time consuming- therefore I will pick out many of the key shots of the sequence- and analyse them in chronological order.

The reason i have chosen to analyse The Departed is because of effective background music used, and the classy camerawork. I am looking for insight into how this was achieved, and how i can replicate it in my opening.

The first shot is the introductory Warner Bros logo animation/C.G.I. This prestigious institution has produced many iconic films over the decades (such as: all of the Harry Potter series), therefore this demonstrates to the viewer- the high quality production and pedigree of the film which they are about to watch. This links to what I have discussed in previous posts about the importance of a prestigious ident enabling the film opening to be more adventurous when aiming at a wider audience.

A basic still title is the last before the film starts. The basic bold font combined with the dull but clinical black and white colour scheme connotes the serious nature of the film- almost documentary style. Very simple vintage effect to achieve- if i wished to do so.






Silence as still simplistic still (same font+ colour scheme arrangement) appears stating coldly and factually the location of the film or merely the films opening. 

Complete silence as Jack Nicholson's character Frank Costello gives his first monologue of the film. "I don't wanna be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me..."
This stylish quote combined with a sequence of shots showing old footage of commotion in Boston, shows that firstly the film could in some stages in set in an old stylised period, furthermore it makes the viewer concentrate knowing that this key contextual information could be crucial to the structure of the film (this technique is something which i might consider including in my final piece, as it builds context as well as atmosphere, although very hard to achieve without a very distinct story) .The main shot during Costellos monologue is a shadowy silhouette of Costello walking down an open warehouse. The concealing of his face connotes his dark importance within the film, thus keeping his face hidden early on in the film will help the viewer grow suspicious of the characters' motives. A similar effect to what is used in The Usual Suspects, with the antagonist's identity being concealed, this is something which i would consider applying to my antagonist, as it creates the obvious mystery needed within successful thrillers. Gimme Shelter by the Rolling Stones begins playing- enhancing the stylized opening further; whilst building atmosphere. As discussed in previous posts, finding a soundtrack which not only builds atmosphere, but helps to give the piece another layer, is something which i hope to achieve, as the music would subtly effecting the viewer whilst they enjoy it or are entertained by it.



The last part of the opening scene shows the first meeting and the chronological progression of Colin Sullivan under the guidance of Frank Costello. This zoom long shot shows an aged setting of a cafe at its prime time of the day. Gimme Shelter reaches its powerful first verse just after Franks monologue ends. The song very much encapsulates American city life, connecting the viewer with the period being portrayed (linking again to the importance of music with an extra dimension).

As the zoom shot developed into a p.o.v shot, this action match between Frank and the Cafe Owner clarifies his role as a criminal and likely mafia member. This stylish shot indicates the motives and drive behind the operation, and on a more macro level shows how money is a motivation to make bad choices. This wonderful cinematography can hopefully be replicated in my piece as it interested a wider audience through its style and meaning- such shots are rare, and can only hope to achieve a close up as visually pleasing.

The music disappears as Frank Costellos identity becomes visible, demonstrating the imprtance of this. His repeated words of wisdom to young Colin Sullivan appear to mould him. 

This ideal is clarified by the two physical progression shots (shown to the right). Showing a focus and cold drive in the eyes remaining- despite the empathic age increase. Though it being hard to achieve in this case, a specific emotional trait running through each character may be a technique to consider for my final project, as it is powerful- and presents high level attention-to -detail, to the examiner.

A James bond style focus circle is used to highlight Sullivan on his day at the police office. This specialised effect creates the impression (like bond) of mistrust and infiltration, if this kind of effect could be considered effective for my style of opening sequence- I may consider using it.

 This shot reverse shot introduces Staff Sgt. Sean Dignam (Mark Wahlberg), and Capt. Oliver Charles Queenan (Martin Sheen). In this interviewing scene Sullivan stands and Costigan sits- possibly suggesting the scale of authority which Dignam and Queenan feel they have over the two new recruits. This simple shot can easily be replicated in my work, if that is the type of film which i hope to create.

This shot introduces Alec Baldwin character cynically showing the mafia leader Costello behind him, as he briefs the new recruits. The dirtyness of Costello in contrast to the room of designer suits demonstrates the traditional differences between the law and criminals.This representation is clear, and the cinematography which enables this is powerful; specific details like this help create beautifully crafted films, and therefore this attention to detail must occur within my work.





The last two images of the opening whilst 'shipping out to boston' belts out show the contrast of lives between Costigan (an honest man) and Sullivan (crooked from his early years). This injustice plays on the viewers minds throughout the film, adjusting viewpoints on situations. This direct life comparison would difficult to achieve in a 3 minute opening, however it has a unique effect on the viewer through the clever but powerful injustice. A unique take on the life and the past like that would be an interesting idea for something to include within my opening.

The title 'The Departed' finishes the opening off, the plain font once again creates a documentary style impression.