“The Departed” culminates in a brutal and unexpected climax, with seemingly secure alliances crumbling and justice delivered in a decidedly unconventional manner. Ultimately, the film ends with Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon), the corrupt state trooper, being assassinated in his apartment by Sergeant Dignam (Mark Wahlberg), ensuring that his crimes never see the light of day and leaving William Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) vindicated, posthumously.
The Bloody Culmination: A Breakdown of the Final Scenes
Scorsese masterfully orchestrates a series of shocking betrayals and fatal encounters in the final act. The tension, already palpable throughout the film, reaches fever pitch as the true identities of the mole and the undercover officer are revealed to their respective organizations.
Unraveling the Double-Cross
Following the dramatic shootout at the warehouse, where multiple high-ranking members of Frank Costello’s (Jack Nicholson) crew and several state troopers are killed, Colin believes he has successfully eliminated his only threat: Billy Costigan. He even manipulates the evidence to paint Billy as the mole.
However, the crucial twist lies in the secret envelope left by Costigan for Queenan (Martin Sheen) – a failsafe containing irrefutable proof of Colin’s corruption. Upon Queenan’s death, this envelope falls into Dignam’s hands.
The Final Confrontation
Colin, seemingly in the clear and about to be promoted, returns to his apartment, confident in his ability to rewrite the narrative. However, he’s met by Sergeant Sean Dignam, who has been biding his time, gathering the evidence to expose Colin.
The ensuing confrontation is swift and decisive. Dignam, fuelled by righteous anger and a desire for justice for Costigan and Queenan, shoots Colin dead. The film ends with Dignam looking down at Colin’s lifeless body, leaving the audience to contemplate the blurred lines between justice and revenge.
The Significance of the Rat
The final shot of the movie, a rat scurrying across the window ledge, is a potent symbol. It represents the pervasive corruption that infects the entire system, hinting that even with Colin’s death, the rot may still remain. It’s a visual reminder that the battle against organized crime is a never-ending struggle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Ending of “The Departed”
Here are some common questions that delve deeper into the nuances and implications of the film’s ending:
1. Why did Dignam kill Colin instead of arresting him?
Dignam’s actions are driven by a combination of factors. Firstly, he likely doesn’t trust the system to deliver justice. Exposing Colin through official channels would involve a lengthy investigation and potentially allow powerful figures to protect him. Secondly, Dignam feels a profound sense of responsibility for the deaths of Queenan and Costigan. Killing Colin is a form of vigilante justice, a direct response to the immense loss and betrayal he has experienced. He also likely feared that Colin, with his network of corrupt contacts, could somehow evade prosecution.
2. Was Colin truly remorseful for his actions?
The film leaves Colin’s true feelings ambiguous. There are moments where he appears conflicted and burdened by his double life, suggesting a degree of remorse. However, his continued efforts to protect himself and advance his career suggest that his self-preservation instincts ultimately outweigh any feelings of guilt. He is, at heart, a self-serving opportunist who is willing to betray anyone to survive.
3. What happened to Madolyn after the death of Billy and Colin?
The film doesn’t explicitly reveal Madolyn’s fate. However, given her involvement with both Billy and Colin, the psychological impact of their deaths would undoubtedly be profound. It’s implied that she will struggle to reconcile her feelings and move on from the traumatic events. The unresolved nature of her story adds to the film’s overall sense of unease and ambiguity. It is assumed that she will live a life marked by the shadow of the events that unfolded.
4. Did Costello plan to betray Colin from the beginning?
While Costello valued Colin’s usefulness, he was also a ruthless and calculating individual. He likely had contingency plans in place and may have been prepared to sacrifice Colin if necessary. However, there’s no concrete evidence to suggest that Costello always intended to betray Colin. Their relationship was one of mutual benefit and distrust, where each party was aware of the other’s potential for treachery. The warehouse shootout suggests a planned elimination of all loose ends, including potentially Colin.
5. What was the significance of the envelope Costigan left with Queenan?
The envelope serves as a crucial insurance policy for Costigan. Knowing that he was walking a dangerous line, he provided Queenan with undeniable proof of Colin’s corruption, ensuring that his efforts would not be in vain even if he was killed. It’s a testament to Costigan’s foresight and his unwavering commitment to exposing the truth. Without that envelope, Colin would have likely gotten away with everything.
6. Why did Costigan trust Queenan?
Costigan, despite his rough exterior, possessed a strong moral compass. He trusted Queenan because Queenan represented the integrity of the police force. He saw in Queenan a figure of authority and a protector who was genuinely committed to fighting corruption. This trust, however, was ultimately betrayed by the system itself.
7. How does “The Departed” ending compare to the original Hong Kong film, “Infernal Affairs”?
While both films share a similar premise, their endings diverge significantly. “Infernal Affairs” has a more nuanced ending, with the mole surviving and facing the consequences of his actions within the legal system. “The Departed” opts for a more violent and unambiguous conclusion, emphasizing the themes of corruption and the blurring of moral boundaries. The American version sacrifices some of the psychological complexity for a more impactful and decisive resolution.
8. What are the main themes explored in the ending of “The Departed”?
The ending explores several key themes, including:
- Justice vs. Revenge: Dignam’s actions raise questions about the nature of justice and whether it’s ever justifiable to take the law into one’s own hands.
- Corruption and Betrayal: The film highlights the pervasive nature of corruption and the devastating consequences of betrayal within both the criminal underworld and the law enforcement system.
- Moral Ambiguity: The characters in “The Departed” operate in a morally gray area, blurring the lines between good and evil.
- Loss and Sacrifice: The deaths of Costigan and Queenan underscore the high price that individuals pay when they challenge powerful and corrupt forces.
9. Why is the movie called “The Departed”?
The title “The Departed” refers to those who have died, particularly Costigan, Queenan, and Costello. It also speaks to the loss of identity and the blurring of personal boundaries that the characters experience as they navigate their treacherous roles. They are, in a sense, departed from their former selves, trapped in a world of deceit and violence.
10. How does Scorsese use symbolism in the ending?
Scorsese masterfully employs symbolism throughout the film, and the ending is no exception. The rat, as mentioned earlier, is a powerful symbol of corruption. Other examples include the recurring imagery of crosses and religious iconography, which underscores the themes of guilt, redemption, and moral struggle. The color palette, particularly the use of green and blue, also contributes to the overall mood and atmosphere of the film.
11. Was Dignam justified in killing Colin?
This question is intentionally left open to interpretation. While Dignam’s actions are understandable given the circumstances, they also represent a descent into vigilantism. The film doesn’t offer a definitive answer, forcing the audience to grapple with the complexities of the situation and consider the moral implications of taking a life. There is no easy answer and the viewer is left to decide.
12. What impact does the ending have on the overall message of the film?
The ending reinforces the film’s bleak and cynical view of the world. It suggests that even when justice is served, it often comes at a great cost and leaves lasting scars. The pervasive corruption, symbolized by the rat, implies that the cycle of violence and betrayal will continue, regardless of individual acts of heroism or revenge. The ending ultimately leaves the viewer with a sense of unease and the unsettling realization that the battle against corruption is a never-ending one.