How Martin Scorsese’s Iconic Movie ‘The Departed’ Almost Got a Completely Different Ending
Martin Scorsese, the legendary filmmaker, recently revealed a shocking detail about his Oscar-winning crime masterpiece, The Departed. In an interview with GQ, while discussing various aspects of the film industry, Scorsese disclosed that Warner Bros. had actually pushed for a significant alteration to the ending of the movie.
Warner Bros. Wanted a Franchise, Not a Classic
According to Scorsese, Warner Bros. wanted to keep the main characters alive at the end of the movie to potentially pave the way for a franchise. Scorsese explained that the studio’s focus was not on the moral implications of life and death in the context of the story, but purely on the commercial aspect of building a franchise. However, Scorsese stood firm on his creative vision for The Departed, which ultimately led to a clash with the studio.
Scorsese Stood His Ground
Scorsese expressed his disappointment with Warner Bros.’ insistence on altering the film for franchise purposes. He noted that the studio’s desire for a franchise rather than appreciating the film as a standalone piece of art led to creative differences that ultimately resulted in him parting ways with Warner Bros. Despite the studio’s disappointment, The Departed went on to win Scorsese his first Best Director award and also secured the prestigious Best Picture accolade.
The Impact on Cinema Culture
Scorsese further commented on the broader implications of studios prioritizing franchises over quality storytelling. He warned that such a trend posed a significant threat to the cultural value of cinema, as it could influence future generations’ perception of what constitutes a movie. Scorsese emphasized the importance of filmmakers taking a stand against the prevailing trend of prioritizing franchise potential over artistic integrity.
The Call for Authenticity in Filmmaking
In a clear stance against what he termed as “manufactured content,” Scorsese advocated for a renaissance in the filmmaking industry. He urged fellow filmmakers to challenge the status quo and strive to create authentic and original content that resonates with audiences on a deeper level. Despite the industry’s inclination towards franchises, Scorsese encouraged filmmakers to embrace innovation and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
A Reminder of The Departed‘s Origins
Interestingly, The Departed itself is a reinterpretation of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, blending elements from multiple films in the series to craft its unique narrative. This juxtaposition highlights the irony of a studio seeking a franchise from a movie that itself was derived from existing source material.
In conclusion, Martin Scorsese’s revelation about the potential alteration to The Departed‘s ending sheds light on the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial interests in the film industry. Despite facing pressure to conform to franchise expectations, Scorsese’s unwavering commitment to his creative vision ultimately solidified the film’s status as a timeless classic.