Merrie Greenfield (Merriehere)

The Departed R

Jack Nicholson gets on my nerves. I couldn't really tell you why. Is it because I suspect he's one of those rakishly charming guys? The kind who does what he wants with little regard for others? Good for a laugh unless you're in his crosshairs, and if he's called out for something, he'd respond with a smirking "lighten up?" Is it because I get tired of the tricks in his performance bag, however effective they may be in shallow terms. It's almost like he hit repeat at a certain point in his performance career, believed his press, and now can't get out of his own way. I was not looking forward to this film when my boyfriend wanted to see it opening day. Leonardo DiCapro AND Nicholson? (This was before I'd seen "Aviator.") Man, I thought, this will be a frustrating time for my unreasonably high acting standards. Once you add Marky Mark (this was before I'd seen "Boogie Nights," too) I was ready to hate it. And what do you know? I loved it. I can't remember the last time I saw a movie this long which felt so short. It was a return to the Marty I'd fallen in love with when I broke down and saw "Goodfellas," thinking to myself, "Ah-hah, NOW I get why everyone wets themselves for this guy." Even Nicholson didn't bother me. Well, at least he was tempered by a good script and a fantastic supporting cast, he reverts back to the Nicholson attention game occasionally, but the vanity is tempered by a wilingness to look like shit now and then. I respect that at least. Look for a hilariously glib Alec Baldwin, the sly homages to gangster noir films, and a fine turn from Martin Sheen. If you're ever near a revival house and this movie is featured, don't pass up the opportunity to see it on the big screen. The wonderful Scorsese soundtrack (per usual) and lush darkness are unparalleled on a tv screen or computer. When you're dwarfed by the action, it's hard not to invest in the plot's Catch 22. I can't wait to catch the film that inspired it.