In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for Colossus Movie Guide for The Departed, we look at important motifs that help us understand the film.
Cast
- Leonardo DiCaprio – Trooper William “Billy” Costigan Jr.
- Matt Damon – Staff Sergeant Colin Sullivan
- Jack Nicholson – Frank Costello
- Mark Wahlberg – Staff Sergeant Sean Dignam
- Martin Sheen – Captain Oliver “Charlie” Queenan
- Ray Winstone – Arnold “Frenchie” French
- Vera Farmiga – Dr. Madolyn Madden
- Alec Baldwin – Captain George Ellerby
- Anthony Anderson – Trooper Brown
- Kevin Corrigan as Sean Costigan
- James Badge Dale as Trooper Barrigan
- David O’Hara as Patrick “Fitzy” Fitzgibbons
- Mark Rolston as Timothy Delahunt
- Robert Wahlberg as FBI Special Agent Frank Lazio
- Amenda Lynch as Carmen
- Kristen Dalton as Gwen
- Shay Duffin as Phil
- William Monohan – Writer
- Martin Scorsese – Director
Important motifs in The Departed
Rats
Rats are a recurring motif in The Departed, serving as a powerful symbol of deceit and betrayal. The term “rat” is frequently used in the underworld to refer to informants or traitors, and this movie is centered around two such characters, Sullivan and Costigan, who serve as moles within their respective organizations. In numerous scenes, the motif of rats is used to hint at the duplicitous nature of these characters and the pervasive treachery within the narrative. The final shot of the film, featuring a rat scurrying across a balcony rail with the State House in the background, serves as a potent visual summary of this motif. It suggests that deceit and corruption have infiltrated even the highest levels of power, reflecting the key themes of the film.
Duality
The motif of duality is central to The Departed. The narrative is fundamentally built on pairs of contrasting characters: Sullivan and Costigan; the police and the mob; loyalty and betrayal. These dualities serve to explore the theme of identity and the idea that things are not always what they seem. Characters lead double lives, their public personas concealing their true allegiances. This is most evident in the case of Sullivan and Costigan, whose lives mirror each other in their roles as moles. This motif extends to the visual elements of the film as well, with mirrored images and parallel scenes underscoring the theme of duality.
“X” Markings
Throughout The Departed, there are numerous instances where “X” markings can be seen in the background. These markings are a visual motif symbolizing impending doom or death, paying homage to Howard Hawks’ 1932 film Scarface, where similar markings were used. The “X” motif appears before every significant death in the film, subtly foreshadowing the fate of the characters. This recurring motif serves to heighten the sense of danger and unpredictability within the narrative.
Identity
The struggle with identity is another important motif in The Departed. Both Sullivan and Costigan grapple with their senses of self as they navigate their double lives. They are forced to betray their own identities and adopt new ones, leading to a sense of internal conflict and turmoil. This motif is further emphasized through the use of aliases and disguises, highlighting the tension between appearance and reality. The struggle with identity is a crucial aspect of the narrative, reflecting the personal cost of deception and betrayal.
Irish Heritage
Irish heritage is a significant motif that permeates The Departed. Set in Boston, a city known for its strong Irish-American community, the film explores the influence of Irish heritage on its characters and their actions. The characters’ Irish backgrounds serve as a bond that unites them, but also as a source of conflict and division. This motif is reflected in various elements of the film, from the use of the Celtic cross to the frequent references to Irish culture and history. It serves to add depth to the characters and provides a rich cultural context for the narrative.
Share your thoughts
Are there more motifs you think should be part of the Colossus Movie Guide for The Departed? Leave your thoughts below and we’ll consider them for the guide.
