can someone explain the departed to me?

Question

I think I get the ending now.. but was still wondering what was in the envelope? and was the one girls baby actually Leo decaprio's baby instead of Matt damon's characters baby?

Answer 1

Those are two things they actually DON'T tell you the answer to. (We also never see what's in the box that Costello gives Sullivan at graduation.)

I think the baby is supposed to be Costigan's. We never see Madolyn and Sullivan have sex - in fact, we hear about how they DIDN'T have sex because he couldn't get it up. Also, she doesn't tell Sullivan about the baby until Costigan says he's leaving for a few weeks. She probably figures she just needs to pick a guy, so she stay with Sullivan. But it's not certain - that's just my interpretation.

There's several things that could be in the envelope - since it's only supposed to be opened if Costigan doesn't come back. Proof of his real identity? Proof that Sullivan is Costello's rat in the staties? A letter for Dignum? Maybe even cherished family photos - we saw Costigan looking at them earlier, and he appreciated that Madolyn had her own. Maybe all of the above. Again - it's not certain.

I think the filmmakers did this on purpose so that we, the audience, are a little in the dark. We're used to a pattern in movies - something is only shown to us if it's important and pays off later (like the envelope) or if it's important they spell it out (who's baby? what's in the box?). But to give us an experience like the two main characters, who are constantly operating on two levels, of pretending one thing and trying to find out information, not knowing these things makes us uncertain and uncomfortable.

Answer 2

The Departed Explained

Answer 3

It does not explain those details in the film.Come to your own conclusion.Taxi Driver had a similar ending that let your mind run with it.

Answer 4

Alright, that site totally did not help me. I still don't get it.

Answer 5

go to http://themoviespoiler.com/Spoilers/departed.html