In The Departed...?

Question

After graduating from the police academy, Damon's character was given a box by Nicolson's character (forgive me, I don't remember their names).
Were the contents of the box ever revealed? did I just miss it? or is it one of those things we are left to ponder?

Answer 1

I watched the Departed last week, and here's my take on it.

The contents of the gift Costello (Nicolson's character) gives to Sullivan (Damon's character) is never shown to us.

I think it's either:

- a cell phone - like the ones everyone in Costello's gang gets - so he can personally keep in touch with him on the inside

- money, to get set up in the apartment. However, we see Damon get the nice apartment with the view of the state house dome only after he is offered the promotion

In any case I think it's meant to be symbolic. At the beginning of the film Costello buys the young Sullivan some groceries for his family and comic books - it's like he is buying his soul at a young age. He tells him where to find him if he ever wants to earn some money. I think the graduation gift is symbolic of Costello's father-like hold on Sullivan.

Answer 2

Wasn't revealed

Answer 3

They never told.