12 Subtle Movie Plot Points You Probably Overlooked

3. Sullivan Is Probably Gay - The Departed

The Plot Point: This marvelous YouTube video provides a compelling argument that undercover criminal Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is, in fact, most likely gay. The proof includes Sullivan's numerous homophobic slurs, the hilarious exchange with his real estate agent who clearly believes him to be gay, his evident discomfort when meeting Costello (Jack Nicholson) at the porno cinema (though this could just be a discomfort at the environment rather than at the nude female form) and Sullivan's sexual impotence with Madolyn (Vera Farmiga). Above all else, it's a fun reflection of the fact that Sullivan is a criminal in hiding: he's also a closeted gay man pretending to be straight. Why You Probably Missed It: Because while picking up on things like Sullivan's impotence (though not explicitly stated) is easy enough, the gay subtext is deeply layered throughout, and it requires viewers to keep their eyes peeled on the more understated meaning of a number of scenes (such as Sullivan's apparent lack of interest in Madolyn on their first date, and his conversation with Captain Ellerby at the golf course). This is a perfect example of brilliant subtext, though: it's unobtrusive enough that the movie can be enjoyed while not even realising it, but the layers are there to be peeled back by more discerning viewers.