'Departed' A Homecoming For Matt Damon

The last time Matt Damon starred in a movie set in his hometown of Boston, Hollywood gave him an Oscar. For "The Departed," the actor returns with a cast that should make his homecoming nothing short of spectacular.

E! News anchor Giuliana Depandi talked to Damon about his role as a crooked cop in director Martin Scorsese's "The Departed."

"It's sort of a cat and mouse chase thriller where I'm trying to figure out who the informer in the mob is and Leo's trying to figure out who the informant in the state police is."

In the crime drama, Damon shares the screen with a collection of high wattage stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Walberg and Jack Nicholson.

"It's terrific to be working with people of that caliber," Damon said, "but it's really not much different working with actors you've never heard of. Then, there's a part of you that says 'This is Jack Nicholson.'"

What was the first Nicholson movie Damon remembers seeing?

"Mine was 'The Shining,'" recalled Depandi.

"Of course, 'The Shining.' He terrified me as a kid," said Damon. "But there's so many great performances – 'One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest' and 'Chinatown.' It's an incredible career that he's had. And the other thing - he's a great writer - you don't have a career that long or play characters that are that dynamic without being a great writer."

A great writer himself, Damon won an Oscar for penning the film "Good Will Hunting" with longtime friend and co-star Ben Affleck.

Since their incredible success nearly a decade ago, Affleck and Damon's careers have taken decidedly different paths.

While Affleck was often cover-story fodder for the tabloids, Damon maintained a low profile in his personal life. That is until last year when he married girlfriend Luciano Barroso, and this summer, when he became a dad to daughter Isabella.

"I think of it as being in a club that never existed," Damon said.

Another club where Damon is a full-fledged member is that of big box office draw.

"I just want to play a more central role this time," he said.

Damon's just finished filming "Ocean's 13," the ensemble follow-up to "Ocean's 11" and "Ocean's 12." He'll also soon resurrect the role of Jason Bourne for the third chapter to his highly successful spy franchise.

To prepare for "The Bourne Ultimatum," due in theatres next summer, Damon said he is taking up pilates.

"The Departed" opens this weekend.