MARTY: A COMMENTARY

It's ironic that the master filmmaker of modern day American cinema won an Oscar for a movie that was not even intended at all to rally through the storms of awards ceremonies this year. Comparing it to his previous masterpieces such as Raging Bull, Goodfellas and even The Aviator, The Departed falls a bit short from his previous greats. Yet, it is inevitable to state that Martin Scorsese has indeed returned to his mob roots, Mean Streets style with his biggest box office hit yet, his first Oscar Best Picture. The fact also remains that Marty is one of the best of the best in filmmaking; he remains one of the very few directors who can assemble a great ensemble cast and deliver, just as he did with The Departed.

On a personal note, The Departed has indeed been one of the best films of 2006. It is one of the very few films that has been produced by a mammoth box office production that was able to entertain and enthrall at the same time. Needless to say, it had substance. Never have I been so thrilled to watch a film with so much energy, so much excitement since God knows when. Indeed, this is one of the very few action films that had caught my attention all throughout. With powerhouse performances from Leo di Caprio, Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg, I am proud to say that this is truly my favorite action film. The fact that I am not a fan of the genre of action and mob (I slept through Road to Perdition, Collateral and The French Connection by the way) and the movie being able to captivate me is indeed something.

And so I congratulate Mr. Scorsese for finally winning an Academy Award for Best Director - a recognition that has long been overdue. May you keep making films that will continue to entertain audiences worldwide. Who knows, now that the Academy loves you, you might get another one of those in the coming years. And yes, keep that lead from George Lucas... Poor guy got caught up with grande Francis Ford Coppola and Myspace photographer Steven Spielberg. What a pity!