Skip to content
    Film
    duologue
    Drama

    The Aftermath Statement

    from The Departed

    Written by William Monahan

    The Departed

    Colin Sullivan delivers a calculated, false testimony to internal affairs regarding the shootout that resulted in the deaths of Billy Costigan and Trooper Brown. He carefully frames another mole to protect his own identity while maintaining a facade of heroism and professional respect.

    Start a free 7-day trial — 5 downloads a day, unlimited when Pro begins

    Rehearse this scene
    Rehearse on your terms

    Choose your role and voices for the other characters. Run the scene at your own pace.

    Scene PreviewExcerpt — subscribe to read full scene

    COLIN

    At that time, Trooper Barrigan, who I now understand to have been Francis Costello's informer in SIU, intercepted us in the lobby and shot Trooper William Costigan once in the head.

    End of preview. Continue with Pro below.

    7 days freeYour next rehearsal starts here

    Found your next scene? Make it yours.

    Start your free trial and read The Aftermath Statement in full, with access to 5,500+ monologues and scenes to explore next.

    • Read the full scene and explore the library
    • Download your script in a clean, printable format
    • Take it into rehearsal with the Script Reader
    Casting Types
    Get Feedback
    Coming Soon

    Want expert coaching on this scene?

    Browse our curated list of acting coaches, dialect specialists, and more.

    Find a Coach

    Need representation?

    Browse verified agents and casting directors in our directory.

    Scene Notes & Audition Tips

    5 sections
    About This Scene

    This powerful duologue features Colin Sullivan delivering a chillingly composed, false testimony to internal affairs. Set in a police station conference room, Colin meticulously constructs a narrative to cover up his deep involvement in a criminal organization, framing an innocent party for the deaths of Billy Costigan and Trooper Brown. The scene highlights his calculated deception and cold-blooded self-preservation, portraying him as a master manipulator who maintains a facade of professionalism and heroism. It's a pivotal moment that cements his true nature and the depth of his betrayal.

    Character Analysis

    Colin Sullivan, as depicted, is a highly intelligent, ruthless, and opportunistic individual. He is adept at maintaining control under pressure, demonstrating remarkable composure as he recounts a fabricated version of events. His primary motivation is self-preservation and protecting his identity as a mole within the police force for Francis Costello. Colin possesses a cunning intellect, able to weave together a believable, yet entirely false, account that strategically shifts blame and clears his own name, even recommending his victim for a Medal of Merit. This portrayal showcases a man who has perfected the art of duplicity.

    Why This Works for Auditions

    This scene offers exceptional material for auditions because it demands a subtle yet incredibly powerful performance. It allows an actor to demonstrate sustained focus, nuanced emotional control, and the ability to convey complex internal motivations through seemingly calm external behavior. The monologue nature of Colin's testimony, delivered as a duologue with silent listeners, provides ample opportunity to command the room and showcase vocal clarity, pacing, and the precise modulation of tone required to sell a lie as truth. It effectively highlights an actor's capability to portray a character operating on multiple layers of deceit.

    Best Suited For

    This scene is particularly well-suited for actors aiming for Leading Man, Villain, Authority Figure, Anti-Hero, or Lawyer casting types. Its contemporary setting and powerful tone make it ideal for auditions seeking actors aged 25-35 who can project authority, intelligence, and a dark charisma. It's an excellent choice for self-tapes, allowing an actor to control the framing and focus on their precise delivery, and also works wonderfully for agent showcases where a strong, memorable character piece is desired. General practice sessions can also benefit immensely from its demands.

    Performance Tips

    When approaching this scene, focus on Colin's unwavering confidence and the precise cadence of his speech. Avoid playing the "villain" outwardly; instead, embody his absolute conviction in his own fabricated story. Pay close attention to subtle shifts in eye contact, breath, and vocal tone that might betray a slight internal effort, even as the character maintains a perfectly composed exterior. Consider the internal satisfaction Colin might derive from successfully manipulating his audience, allowing that subtle sense of triumph to inform his underlying demeanor. The key is to deliver a performance that is chilling in its believability, not in its overt villainy.

    No ratings yet
    Sign in to rate