That Asshole Monahan

Whether you realized it on Sunday night or not, you saw a historic moment. No, not that Martin Scorsese finally won a couple of academy awards. The historic moment was Departed-related nevertheless. It was this: Almost everyone involved with the picture acknowledged Bill Monahan, the screenwriter, when they made their little speeches. In fact, I believe Monahan was thanked more often than God. (This may be untrue, but I'll eat a pail of gravel before I watch that show again to confirm or deny the impression.) Screenwriters are never acknowledged by the director, who usually claims authorship of the film, or the actors who typically don't know what to say unless someone gives them a line. So Good for Bill. He's come a long way, and he deserves all the praise he gets. Now go buy his book so his kids can eat.