“AMC Oscar Butt-Numb-A-Thon” - The Departed

While not the shortest, nor cheeriest film of the batch, it definite tops the group in visual intensity. I feel, as the ensemble piece of the year, this film delivers on all of what Oscar voters typically look for. As has been said recently about this being Scorsese’s year, I will add my voice to the chorus.

I think that, where others have failed, in his previously nominated films, the strength of the acting, story and, well, gruesome visuals, succeed. Even with the score, paired back to just simply guitar (acoustic and electric) show that he’s tried to strike a balance in his filmmaking.

As Paul Verhooven has tried to over-stimulate us with violence, Scorsese shows us that anger, love and revenge are not pretty, and visually and verbally put those on brash display in this film. I think this is going to take top honors this Sunday.