Known for his dedication to his roles, Mark Wahlberg often engaged in intense preparation, including visiting unusual and often unsavory locales. He also had a habit of maintaining his character even off the set, which caused friction when he played the harsh character Dignam, despite it not being a traditional aspect of Method Acting.
While Wahlberg did not specify which role he originally vied for during auditions, it seemed he aimed for a more prominent role than the one he eventually played. Concerning his initial disappointment about his part and compensation, Wahlberg commented:
“I was a little pissed about a couple of things but look it all worked out in the end, I think. Originally I was supposed to play another part. Originally I was supposed to get paid. Originally, I was supposed to be … you know. And then we agreed that I would play Dignam, when I saw the advantages of playing that part and how I would approach the situation with everybody else playing opposite me.”
Despite the early frustrations, Wahlberg recognized the unique opportunity to be a supporting actor in a Scorsese film about the Boston underworld.
Tension also arose concerning Wahlberg’s appearance. “The Departed” filming schedule coincided with his work on “Four Brothers” and “Invincible,” leading to a hair extension debacle which Wahlberg refused to rectify for Scorsese. Some speculated he was wearing a wig during the production.
FAQs About Mark Wahlberg’s Experience on The Departed
- Did Mark Wahlberg stay in character off the camera for The Departed?
Yes, Wahlberg maintained his character off-camera, even though it was not a requirement for Method Acting. - Which role did Wahlberg originally audition for?
While not explicitly stated, it is assumed Wahlberg originally went for a role eventually filled by either Matt Damon or Leonardo DiCaprio. - Was Mark Wahlberg satisfied with playing the character Dignam?
Despite initial reluctance, Wahlberg came to see the benefits of playing Dignam and embraced the role. - What issue did Wahlberg have with his hair during filming?
He had hair extensions for other roles and refused to remove them or wear a wig for “The Departed,” which caused some confusion and frustration during production.
Conclusion
In summary, Mark Wahlberg’s journey with “The Departed” was marked by initial discontent regarding his role and salary, along with his commitment to staying in character, which could be challenging given his character’s abrasive nature. Additionally, Wahlberg’s refusal to compromise on the matter of his hair extensions led to some behind-the-scenes conflict. Despite these hurdles, Wahlberg’s portrayal of Dignam in Scorsese’s crime thriller garnered positive responses and proved to be a significant part of his acting career. Ultimately, the film’s success and Wahlberg’s acclaimed performance indicate that the initial beef he had with the director did indeed work out in the end.