The Departed - Martin Scorsese

Notes

Dual narrative
- Represents the 2 main characters being undercover through following both their stories without them knowing
Lighting
- The 'good' person is in dark lighting as he is going undercover with the criminals
- The 'bad' person is in bright lighting as he is undercover with the police
- This portrays a contrast as typically it could be thought that dark lighting would cannote dark/unconventional behaviour and the same the other way around, but in this case it is the light contrasts this, making it intriguing and unusual for the target audience.
- The harsh, bright lighting used cannotes truth and purity even when the audience has realised that this is not streamline to the narrative.
- The almost 'spotlight' effect used to show the light, and the surrounding darkness, portrays mystery. This contrasts the narrative as throughout the film, the audience know more than the characters within it. It makes them question what they think they've seen and what they thinks going on, causing them to remain engaged.
Soundtrack
- Opera is used to contrast the themes of the film and whats going on, specifically here, what they're talking about.
- Rap/heavy metal is used to match whats going on in. For example in an urban chase scene.
The Opening
- One man, assumed to be of high importance, is kept in darkness until 5 minutes in. This plants questions in the audiences mind such as 'who is he?' and 'why is he so important?' causing them to want to continue to watch.

What we will use in our own thriller (application)
- Contrasting lighting
- varied agles/shot types
- The psychological element
- The cliff hanger ending the opening leaves the audience with