I’ve found myself re-reading this script a number of times and I’ve always enjoyed it (even if I feel really sad at the end). It’s a simple story concept-wise, but with plenty of twists and turns, emotional depth, terrific characters and this great, slangy dialogue – among the best of any Scorsese film (although Goodfellas had some wonderful dialogue too). Even though it’s a remake, Monahan absolutely makes the story his own. The social hierarchy of Boston provides a rich background – Southies, Beacon Hill, the church, women who won’t talk to the cops even about their own son’s murder, the difference between Suffolk and Harvard, the hierarchy within the cops… indeed, it’s hard to think of many Hollywood films which have been more about class.
The evil lord of Costello is a great creation – evil, smart, philosophical (“she’s on her way out” “We all are – act accordingly”). He’s sad that Billy has regressed, isn’t sure if he’s clean – but who is reliable noawadays (except Mr French), loves it when he thinks Billy isn’t the rat, is self aware about his own flaws, very smart, sexually weird… The other stand out characters are supporting ones: Mr French, the foul mouthed and hateful but honest Dignam, the clownish Ellerby. The leads are strong too – Billy is a very unheroic investigative cop, full of nervous ticks and constantly on the verge of a nervous breakdown, Colin a self-loathing slimebag. This must have been the easiest film to cast. Wonderful work.
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