Not Much of a Departure
Scorsese keeps it real.
For his new film, The Departed—a police drama thick with superstar actors (Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon), dropping their r’s- director Martin Scorsese was all about authenticity. That meant filming in Southie, casting not one but two Wahlbergs, and signing up ex-policemen to fill supporting slots playing (surprise!) cops.
The lawmen were impressed by the expertise of the Hollywood interlopers. Lawrence Cameron Steele, a former detective, found himself discussing blood spatter with Scorsese himself. “He seemed to know his stuff,” says Steele, a retired ballistics instructor who stretches himself to play…a ballistics instructor.
Steele says Damon, who prepped for his role as a statie by doing ride-alongs, could certainly handle himself on the force. “He’s very professional and cool under fire. But he’s got a pretty good thing going right now, too.” –Kevin Alexander
The lawmen were impressed by the expertise of the Hollywood interlopers. Lawrence Cameron Steele, a former detective, found himself discussing blood spatter with Scorsese himself. “He seemed to know his stuff,” says Steele, a retired ballistics instructor who stretches himself to play…a ballistics instructor.
Steele says Damon, who prepped for his role as a statie by doing ride-alongs, could certainly handle himself on the force. “He’s very professional and cool under fire. But he’s got a pretty good thing going right now, too.” –Kevin Alexander
Originally published in Boston magazine, October 2006
