Remakes I See No Point In Watching

Another modern remake that I see frequently praised is Scorsese’s director Oscar and Best Picture winner “The Departed.” I have written extensively about this movie’s failings before, here and on the old boards. “The Departed” is one of only three movies to have won Best Picture with just three other wins (directing, writing, editing). It is among the top six titles with the fewest wins and nominations other that Best Picture. (It’s only other nom was Wahlberg for Supporting Actor.) That smells “make-up” Oscar to me.

Scorsese’s film is (like "True Grit") a scene-for-scene remake of a much superior Hong Kong film: Miu Gaan Diy (Infernal Affairs) (2002), a tight, taut crime thriller with two Hong Kong superstars leading the cast. There is nothing at all in “The Departed” that is new or creative. Anything in the American film that is praiseworthy has been brought over from the Chinese original. The Hollywood remake is lazy, sloppy film making. Scorsese fans still breathlessly rave about a particular unexpected plot twist related to Leo’s character, but fans of this Asian thriller weren’t surprised. Marty lifted it whole from “Infernal Affairs”. It is a steal. There is not anything creative on the part of the American manufacturers of “The Departed.” It is the exact same shot as in the Hong Kong original. No one connected with “The Departed” can take any credit for it. There is not a single good idea or surprise or plot twist that wasn’t taken from “Infernal Affairs”. There’s plenty more sloppiness to point out but enough for now.

Forgive me for ranting. Sometimes I just can’t help myself.