The Departed: A Martin Scorsese Masterpiece

The Departed continues filmmaker Martin Scorsese’s trend of making at least one motion picture masterpiece per decade–this time, winning an Oscar. Even though the film adapts a story from another country, the filmmakers still find a way to tie it to Boston.  This is one of the best ideas to go into the film.  For all intents and purposes, mob boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson) is Whitey Bulger.  Basically, the film deals with crime and…

"The Departed: A Martin Scorsese Masterpiece"

White Heat: One of James Cagney’s Finest Roles

Oscar-winning actor James Cagney delivers one of his finest roles in Warner Bros. gangster drama White Heat after being away from the genre. The psychotic Arthur “Cody” Jarrett (James Cagney) is the leader of the aptly named Jarrett gang.  While Cody is married to Verna (Virginia Mayo), one could certainly make the argument that he’s really married to his mother.  The relationship here is certainly a character study in its own right. The gang robs…

"White Heat: One of James Cagney’s Finest Roles"

The Life of Emile Zola: Warner’s First Best Picture

The Life of Emile Zola might not be remembered like other films but the biopic gave Warner Bros. their first Best Picture in studio history. Emile Zola (Paul Muni) is a writer that takes up Captain Alfred Dreyfus’ (Joseph Schildkraut) cause after a false accusation and conviction of a crime he did not commit. Zola risks his entire career by publishing J’Accuse…! in a French paper. As a result of his involvement, Zola would later…

"The Life of Emile Zola: Warner’s First Best Picture"