MovieChat Forums > The Departed (2006) Discussion > Dignam [SPOILER]

Dignam [SPOILER]

posted 8 years ago by rootsmusic
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Why was Dignam inserted as a major character into the remake? (I find it unbelievable if the reason was to avoid the ending problem that "Infernal Affairs" had with China's censor.).

After Queenan had died, Costigan could have tried to seek Dignam's help (to restore Costigan's rank) and Sullivan could have as well (to use Dignam's knowledge of the rat).

Presumably, Dignam thought Sullivan murdered Costigan. As one who had believed in the judicial system though, wouldn't Digham have revealed Sullivan's murder in order to be redeemed back into the force?

[–] hero-de-celluloid 8 years ago

wouldn't Digham have revealed Sullivan's murder in order to be redeemed back into the force?

Didn't Dignam resign/quit on his own? He wasn't fired or forced out - he put his papers in? He could have stayed. He was given a week or two of suspension with pay. After that - he could have returned.

As for his character's purpose - I don't think had anything to do with China's censor directly - it could have been to give the mainstream audience an ending that is more satisfying. However, I don't think he was put in solely because of this (I did like his character). I thought he added some comic relief and was the antithesis of Queenan which gave it some depth.

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[–] matt21-690-602571 8 years ago

If you're asking why Dignam didn't turn in Sullivan, go thru the proper channels and get him "busted" rather than go the route of taking his own personal vengeance....I think there's a couple reasons.
For one, it may not have been possible. Sullivan was quite adept at being a "two-faced *beep* and probably didn't leave much if any evidence (none that Dignam could get/find).
Secondly, and probably the primary reason, I think Dignam took it into his own hands, was that it was very personal. The whole scenario was probably unconscionable to him. Another COP getting his mentor/partner/BFF killed for the sake of protecting Costello. IMO it was just too personal for Dignam to not take care of himself.
Also, I don't think he wanted to get back into the force.