Martin Scorsese directs Leonardo DiCaprio and other cast members during the filming of "The Departed." Click photo for larger image. Related review 'The Departed'

"The Departed" marks the third collaboration between director Martin Scorsese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio. They were born six days and 32 years apart but seem to be in sync.

It was Robert De Niro who, years ago, suggested that Scorsese work with his young co-star from 1993's "This Boy's Life." DiCaprio's bankability after "Titanic" -- the top-grossing movie of all time, with $601 million in this country alone -- allowed Scorsese to get "Gangs of New York" made.

Although Scorsese has directed many an actor to an Oscar, DiCaprio isn't among them, and he hasn't scored one for himself, either. He could find himself facing off, once more, against Clint Eastwood, whose powerful "Flags of Our Fathers" opens in two weeks.

DiCaprio in "The Gangs of New York." Click photo for larger image.

A look at this lucrative collaboration between director and actor:

'Gangs of New York'

Release date: Dec. 20, 2002.

What it's about: An epic look at lawlessness in 19th-century Manhattan. Daniel Day-Lewis is Bill the Butcher, a "Nativist American" who resents the influx of Irish and other immigrants into his New York. When he kills a man, he sets the stage for much-delayed revenge exacted by the victim's son (DiCaprio) years later.

Oscar love: 10 nominations, including picture, director, Day-Lewis (no DiCaprio) but shut out on the big night. "Chicago" took the top prize, and director Roman Polanski and actor Adrien Brody were the surprise winners for "The Pianist."

Box office: Nearly $78 million in the U.S. It was probably hobbled by its 167-minute running time.

	DiCaprio in "The Aviator." Click photo for larger image.

'The Aviator'

Released: Dec. 24, 2004.

What it's about: Lavish biopic of Howard Hughes -- filmmaker, aviation pioneer, playboy, billionaire and legendary eccentric -- played by DiCaprio.

Oscar love: 11 nominations, including picture, director and DiCaprio. It won five, for art director, costume design, film editing, cinematography and supporting actress Cate Blanchett. Scorsese again lost the directing Oscar, this time to Eastwood, whose "Million Dollar Baby" snagged the big prizes.

Box office bingo: Nearly $103 million in the United States.

DiCaprio in "The Departed." Click photo for larger image.

'The Departed'

Released: Today.

What it's about: Scorsese re-invents a Hong Kong crime thriller, with Jack Nicholson as a mob boss and DiCaprio and Matt Damon as cops who aren't what they seem.

Oscar love: Nicholson has converted three of his dozen acting nominations into Oscars. He could make it a baker's dozen and his coattails could bring DiCaprio or Damon along, too.

Box office bingo: Length of 2¹/₂ hours will limit daily showings, but it should attract the audience looking for a new well-reviewed R-rated movie. Older patrons should be drawn to Nicholson, while the younger patrons will want to see DiCaprio, Damon or scene-stealer Mark Wahlberg.