(Credit: Warner Bros.)

Few filmmakers have shaped modern cinema the way Martin Scorsese has. Across decades, his work has given audiences unforgettable characters, sharp storytelling, and moments that stay etched in pop culture. Among them, The Departed holds a special place. The Boston-set crime thriller not only brought him his long-awaited Best Director Oscar but also delivered a masterclass in tension, deception, and moral chaos.

It is a film packed with memorable moments, double-crosses and brutal confrontations. And that is exactly what you expect from a Scorsese film. Then come the performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, who are at the top of their game. Fans often debate which scene is the best, but Scorsese himself has no hesitation in naming his favourite. And the story of how it came to life says a lot about why The Departed works so well.

For Scorsese, the power of a scene often lies in what is unseen in the pauses, glances, and unexpected shifts that pull the viewer deeper. The Departed is full of noise and violence, but it is also built on quieter moments where the tension is almost unbearable. These are the spaces where characters reveal themselves without saying much. That makes it easier for the audience to sense that something dangerous is brewing. His favourite scene captures that balance perfectly.

Over the years, fans have often argued about which scene in the film is the most memorable. And once, Scorsese shared his own favourite, and it involves one of the most intense face-offs in the movie.

The scene takes place in a quiet bar. Jack Nicholson’s character, mob boss Frank Costello, is meeting Leonardo DiCaprio’s Billy Costigan, who is secretly an undercover cop. From the start, there is a sense of danger. Costello asks questions, watches closely, and makes Billy increasingly nervous. It is a turning point in the story because neither man fully trusts the other, but both are trying to hide it.

Scorsese explained that the scene was already strong in the script, but he felt it needed something extra. “It’s very good, but it needs something,” he said. That “something” came from Nicholson himself. On the day of shooting, Nicholson decided to add new touches that were not in the script.

At one point, Nicholson suddenly pulls a gun from his pocket, placing it on the table mid-conversation. In another moment, he holds up a severed hand covered in plastic. That was a shocking and completely unexpected prop choice. These details were not planned, and they caught DiCaprio off guard, making his reactions feel even more real.

For Scorsese, that was the magic. The unscripted moves gave the scene an edge and kept the tension high. Nicholson’s choices made the meeting feel unpredictable, like something could go wrong at any second. The audience can sense that danger too, which is why it stands out even in a film full of high-stakes moments.

Looking back, Scorsese still sees it as the perfect example of how collaboration and risk-taking can elevate a scene. The mix of tight writing, strong acting, and bold improvisation turned a good moment into one of the most unforgettable parts of The Departed.