The Departed

[Orogeny]

Was the graphic violence as objectionable as the comments about the priest? If not, why not? Perhaps you should ask yourself why you were watching a very violent movie.

Speaking of indifference.

Peace

Tim

 

[puzzleannie]

why are you watching a movie that resorts to that language, anyhow, since it is proof positive the writers can’t write, since they cannot communicate in standard accepted English. and no, “because the character would talk that way” is no excuse. an euphamism that would pass in general conversation could be substituted. If you really find a movie that resorts to gratuitous violence and glorifies a villain, to be entertaining it is time to ask yourself WHY do I allow myself to be polluted by this garbage? What is wrong with me that I actually pay good money for this muck and try to enjoy it?

 

[CathCentrist]

I wish I had read this review before I rented The Departed…

http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=5928&t=Movie+Review%3A+The+Departed+and+Scorsese’s+soul

This part is so true…

“… Scorsese never misses an opportunity to denigrate the Catholic Church and so we have a lunch scene where Costello bullies an older priest as a pederast and then his fellow younger priest for his sleeping with the nun who was dining with them. This is all done in the most vulgar terms, of course, and is mentioned again later on.”

Its also coming from a low life mobster. I didnt know people put such stock in their opinions, even in movies

 

[Franciscan]

why are you watching a movie that resorts to that language, anyhow, since it is proof positive the writers can’t write, since they cannot communicate in standard accepted English. and no, “because the character would talk that way” is no excuse. an euphamism that would pass in general conversation could be substituted. If you really find a movie that resorts to gratuitous violence and glorifies a villain, to be entertaining it is time to ask yourself WHY do I allow myself to be polluted by this garbage? What is wrong with me that I actually pay good money for this muck and try to enjoy it?

This muck won Best Picture.I wanted to see what the “academy” awarded as the best movie of the year.
To my surprise it turned out to be explicitly anti-Catholic.
And no one says anything until now.

I think a film that is overtly anti-catholic is worse than a violent film.

 

[CathCentrist]

why are you watching a movie that resorts to that language, anyhow, since it is proof positive the writers can’t write, since they cannot communicate in standard accepted English. and no, “because the character would talk that way” is no excuse. an euphamism that would pass in general conversation could be substituted. If you really find a movie that resorts to gratuitous violence and glorifies a villain, to be entertaining it is time to ask yourself WHY do I allow myself to be polluted by this garbage? What is wrong with me that I actually pay good money for this muck and try to enjoy it?

You are incorrect in your assumptions

#1: That IS how mobsters talk - That is a PROVEN FACT taken from public transcripts and wiretaps

#2: Prove how these villains were glorified - They mainly Nicholson’s charactor got theirs in the end - I like realism in movies. Dont show me a movie whether its a western, war or mob flick where a hail of bullets pass and no blood flows or swear words utterred - thats NOT how life plays out. I could accept it in older films because they bound by crazy codes, but I am all for realism in film

Glorification is subjective to people, but I contend that unless the villain gets away scott free and doesnt pay a price, then that villain ISNT glorified.

I wish people would know how to discuss movies here instead of falling back into the STALE and TIRED accusations of Catholics are dissing their faith and even their Lord if they enjoy these movies and they should reexamine their lives. It makes me laugh and be sad at the same time for the extremist approach to films

 

[Franciscan]

You are incorrect in your assumptions

#1: That IS how mobsters talk - That is a PROVEN FACT taken from public transcripts and wiretaps

#2: Prove how these villains were glorified - They mainly Nicholson’s charactor got theirs in the end - I like realism in movies. Dont show me a movie whether its a western, war or mob flick where a hail of bullets pass and no blood flows or swear words utterred - thats NOT how life plays out. I could accept it in older films because they bound by crazy codes, but I am all for realism in film

Glorification is subjective to people, but I contend that unless the villain gets away scott free and doesnt pay a price, then that villain ISNT glorified.

I wish people would know how to discuss movies here instead of falling back into the STALE and TIRED accusations of Catholics are dissing their faith and even their Lord if they enjoy these movies and they should reexamine their lives. It makes me laugh and be sad at the same time for the extremist approach to films

Cathcentrist answer all of these please…

Did you enjoy that restaurant scene? When the priest are called c–ck s–ckers? And portrayed as “rats”?

Are you an official movie critic?

Was this scene necessary for the movie to be successful?

Did you agree with the critic who said…

“To begin with, we all know that religious institutions in general and the Catholic Church in particular are horrible and dangerous, so feel free to disparage them at every opportunity. In The Departed, see how Mr. Scorsese shows two priests and a nun drinking in a restaurant. Note how his character comments to the priests about pederasty and implies that the nun is sexually promiscuous. This is important in that it reinforces the viewer’s perception that the Catholic Church is inherently corrupt, and also brilliant on Mr. Scorsese’s part in that if he is ever accused of viewing the Catholic Church with hatred–which we know, ha, ha, he obviously does–he can simply claim it was the character making these accusations, not himself.”

Do you deny that there are people who will lose resppect for the Church after watching this kind of in your face persecution of the Church under the guise of art?

I’m not for censorship but my point is two things…

1. What does it say that this film won best Picture?
2. What does it say that alot of Catholics are indifferent?

 

[dessert]

This muck won Best Picture.I wanted to see what the “academy” awarded as the best movie of the year.
To my surprise it turned out to be explicitly anti-Catholic.
And no one says anything until now.

I think a film that is overtly anti-catholic is worse than a violent film.

I have to agree with you and think that things will get worse. Because there will probably be another worse one and then another worse worse and so on and on til we become so sensitized it will be unrecognizable. but what can one do except object on a Catholic forum and alert others to the insulting fillm making. Dessert

 

[maryalene]

I haven’t read all the responses, but I did watch and enjoy the movie. I thought it was a good storyline with excellent acting. However, I completely agree with you about the scene involving the nun and priests. It was a cheap shot and completely unnecessary.

 

[ncgolf]

The Departed,

I saw it yesterday. I was offended by the anti-Catholic scenes. Two priests and a nun are having lunch and the Main villian refers to them as c-ck s-ckers.
I didn’t get why they had to have the Catholic related parts of the movie.
Typical of Hollywood.
What if those were Muslim Imams eating lunch and he referred to them in a derogatiry way?There would be outrage.
What if a picture of Muhhamed was smashed over the head of someone?
If these actors and directors, producers, writers were really the tough guys that they pretend to be then they could have gone that route but no they know Chrisatians are easy to attack.
If someone would have told me about this anti-Catholic bias in the movie I would not have seen it.
But typical of us Christians–we just take the beating and ridicule and “turn the other cheek”.
Too bad its out of laziness and apathy rather than out of imitation of Christ.

The Jack Nicholson character was a Satan type figure. The point of the scene was a hint at the sexual scandal that did rock the church and the sins that casued it. This did begin in Boston … movie set in Boston. You should listen to Father Robert Barron’s take on the move @ wordonfire.org/ he gives a very good analysis of the movie and from a priest of all people.
I think you need to look at the scene in context of the evil Nicholson character rather than just the words he spews … there is motive and purpose behind those … I did not find it a gratouitous slam on the Catholic Church. It is a very good movie on age old good vs evil theme.

 

[dessert]

I wish I had read this review before I rented The Departed…

http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=5928&t=Movie+Review%3A+The+Departed+and+Scorsese’s+soul

This part is so true…

“… Scorsese never misses an opportunity to denigrate the Catholic Church and so we have a lunch scene where Costello bullies an older priest as a pederast and then his fellow younger priest for his sleeping with the nun who was dining with them. This is all done in the most vulgar terms, of course, and is mentioned again later on.”

I sometimes rent things and then fast forward through a lot because of the reviews and advice from others.

Have you seen the Road to Perdition? That is one I watched in about 3o minutes next , next all the time all violence and many implications about the church but not so out and out just about the mob but all no less dies which is what the mob movies are like anyways and the corruption in the mafia.

I like the movie the Four Feathers, watch it if you have a chance. It appears people will die but they don’t and has a good story line. These are the kind of movies we need more of andthe others are just big name getters. I’m sure the awards thing is somewhat fixed don’t you think anyways? Dessert

Oh actually I thought Return of Superman was better and would have my vote but who cares? Oh Well, I work in a big retail store and the departed movie is NOT selling well so there you have it my revie too and the consumers maybe are not saying exactly how they feel but are just as disgusted as you even the non-C but their money talks too. So they won’t get their money awards as many people I heard in the store say they won’t let their kids watch it too violent! I only watched the first GF that was enough for me but go figure the one that is really selling off the shelf is SAWS I & 2 & 3 Yeah go figure
Again take care and thanks for your comments Dessert

 

[Franciscan]

I sometimes rent things and then fast forward through a lot because of the reviews and advice from others.

Have you seen the Road to Perdition? That is one I watched in about 3o minutes next , next all the time all violence and many implications about the church but not so out and out just about the mob but all no less dies which is what the mob movies are like anyways and the corruption in the mafia.

I like the movie the Four Feathers, watch it if you have a chance. It appears people will die but they don’t and has a good story line. These are the kind of movies we need more of andthe others are just big name getters. I’m sure the awards thing is somewhat fixed don’t you think anyways? Dessert

Oh actually I thought Return of Superman was better and would have my vote but who cares? Oh Well, I work in a big retail store and the departed movie is NOT selling well so there you have it my revie too and the consumers maybe are not saying exactly how they feel but are just as disgusted as you even the non-C but their money talks too. So they won’t get their money awards as many people I heard in the store say they won’t let their kids watch it too violent! I only watched the first GF that was enough for me but go figure the one that is really selling off the shelf is SAWS I & 2 & 3 Yeah go figure
Again take care and thanks for your comments Dessert

No I haven’t seen any of those movies.

The thing about The Departed is that it’s full of good actors who have done decent films in the past…

Matt Damon-Goodwill Hunting.
Mark Walberg-Invincible
Decapprio- The true story of Howard Hughs(forgot name) etc.

 

[Franciscan]

The Jack Nicholson character was a Satan type figure. The point of the scene was a hint at the sexual scandal that did rock the church and the sins that casued it. This did begin in Boston … movie set in Boston. You should listen to Father Robert Barron’s take on the move @ wordonfire.org/ he gives a very good analysis of the movie and from a priest of all people.
I think you need to look at the scene in context of the evil Nicholson character rather than just the words he spews … there is motive and purpose behind those … I did not find it a gratouitous slam on the Catholic Church. It is a very good movie on age old good vs evil theme.

I understand your point.

If you want to portray true evil (borderline satanic) then desecrate the Church, Holy Orders, The Eucharist etc.
This is a sign that those things are truly good.

1. But the problem is that this is a participation in evil. The ends do not justify the means.
2. Most people are not religious and are not aware of this contrast. Most people were not viewing that scene and saying, “Wow, he’s really evil and the Church, priesthood is truly good.”
   Instead, people probably thought he was pointing out the apparent hypocricy of the priesthood after the abuse scandals.
   It came across to me as gratuitous, and offense. “Let’s kick em while they’re down” type mentality.

 

[Chancellare]

The anti-Catholic bias of the movie is just a mirocosm of the whole landscape created by the backlash from several publicized scandals involving the Catholic clergy. But few tried to expose the facts surrounding this scandal. For one thing, there was a study on the incidence of pedophilia among other groups like Jews, Protestants, even other non-Christian religions.(I got it from post in another site). The figure shows that the incidence is at an average of 2% and is fairly spread accross other groups. This means that this problem is not unique to Catholic priests and therefore the other groups were just less publicized. If we use a crude scientific appreciation of the facts, it is clear that these sexual crimes is not a purely Catholic problem but a slice of a broader moral decay in American society. The only difference is that the cases involving Catholic priests are more politically charged and exploited by the media than the rest of the national incidence.
Having said this, we as Catholics must be both vigilant of our own clergy but at the same time hold those people to account for unfair bias. Thus the movie’s bias should also be exposed and held to account.

 

[Ammonius_Saccus]

For one thing, there was a study on the incidence of pedophilia among other groups like Jews, Protestants, even other non-Christian religions.(I got it from post in another site).

The problem is that high level members of the Catholic Church were covering up these crimes and actively helping these criminals to commit more crimes.

 

[Chancellare]

The problem is that high level members of the Catholic Church were covering up these crimes and actively helping these criminals to commit more crimes.

At the end of the day, between those who cover up and those who don’t, there is only so much dirt to dig at 6ft under. The incidence of sex crimes accross the demographic group is something that is not exposed enough. Which tells so much about our attitude in attacking the real problem in this society.

 

[puzzleannie]

This muck won Best Picture.I wanted to see what the “academy” awarded as the best movie of the year.
To my surprise it turned out to be explicitly anti-Catholic.
And no one says anything until now.

I think a film that is overtly anti-catholic is worse than a violent film.

well judging from the stuff that has been winning oscars lately, that is all I need to know to avoid it.
Hollywood, to answer question in OP, will continue producing garbage, including anti-Catholic rants, as long as we continue spending our money to support their subversive industry. If you watch this stuff, you are supporting and agreeing with it, at least implicitly. They do not care if you are outraged or entertained, they only care did they get your money.

 

[MichaelTDoyle]

Was the graphic violence as objectionable as the comments about the priest? If not, why not? Perhaps you should ask yourself why you were watching a very violent movie.

Speaking of indifference.

Peace

Tim

Violence in fiction is not inherently sinful. Of course if it is a near occasion of sin to make a viewer violent then I would abstain, e.g. never had the urge to punch someone after watching Rocky, though.

peace

 

[dessert]

No I haven’t seen any of those movies.

The thing about The Departed is that it’s full of good actors who have done decent films in the past…

Matt Damon-Goodwill Hunting.
Mark Walberg-Invincible
Decapprio- The true story of Howard Hughs(forgot name) etc.

Yeah Goodwill Hunting was good. Kept me watching till the end. Dessert

 

[Martin_Le_Fay]

It seems to me, that in order to be consistent, you’ve also got to say that the Passion is also an anti-Christian movie. Since it depicts Satan as a villain who presides over the brutal and violent torture of Christ and since moviegoers will naturally seek to emulate a villain no matter what he or she does in the film, the Passion is therefore one of the most evil movies ever released to the general public. There is no justification for it. A movie that glorifies graphically violent deicide is small potatoes next to a movie about insulting a few priests.

 

[Orogeny]

Violence in fiction is not inherently sinful. Of course if it is a near occasion of sin to make a viewer violent then I would abstain, e.g. never had the urge to punch someone after watching Rocky, though.

peace

I don’t claim that it is. I am just observing that a line in the movie upset the OP much more than the graphic depiction of violence. And I’m not talking about boxing.

Peace

Tim