Comparing the Departed and Infernal Affairs
Tan Jing Zhi
WRIT 340 Assignment 3
10/30/12
Prof. William Gorski
The Departed: A Quintessentially American Story Have film makers today run out of original ideas and ways to artistically express their individuality? With the recent slew of film remakes and adaptations of classics such as King Kong, The Manchurian Candidate, and Ocean’s Eleven, it would appear that the film industry has had to reach into the past to seek inspiration for their new works. Critics may claim that in the capitalistic, hyper competitive world of film production today, profits take precedence over trying to construct an engaging story line from scratch. After all, remakes and adaptations of film classics guarantee a sense of familiarity and nostalgia with the audience, and seem sure-bets for box office success. However, history reveals that in the world of the arts, some of the most prominent literary and film texts have actually greatly depended on works of the past. Infernal Affairs, an original 2002 Hong Kong crime-thriller by Alan Mak and Felix Chong, tells the story of a police officer who infiltrates a triad – a Chinese criminal organization, and a triad member working undercover in the police force, with both men trying to expose each other. The film garnered a loyal following and widespread critical acclaim in Asia. When legendary director Martin Scorsese took on the challenge of adapting Infernal Affairs for his 2006 Hollywood epic, The Departed, some wondered if he could still add his unique touch to an already outstanding classic. As it turned out, The Departed more than held its own as the film received four Oscars at the 79th Academy Awards. Although The Departed faithfully follows the plot of Infernal Affairs, it distinguishes itself from the original by exploring the complexities of morality while critiquing the corrupt public institutions that claim to serve the American citizens. Through Scorsese’s deft use of character development and questioning of
WRIT 340 Assignment 3
10/30/12
Prof. William Gorski
The Departed: A Quintessentially American Story Have film makers today run out of original ideas and ways to artistically express their individuality? With the recent slew of film remakes and adaptations of classics such as King Kong, The Manchurian Candidate, and Ocean’s Eleven, it would appear that the film industry has had to reach into the past to seek inspiration for their new works. Critics may claim that in the capitalistic, hyper competitive world of film production today, profits take precedence over trying to construct an engaging story line from scratch. After all, remakes and adaptations of film classics guarantee a sense of familiarity and nostalgia with the audience, and seem sure-bets for box office success. However, history reveals that in the world of the arts, some of the most prominent literary and film texts have actually greatly depended on works of the past. Infernal Affairs, an original 2002 Hong Kong crime-thriller by Alan Mak and Felix Chong, tells the story of a police officer who infiltrates a triad – a Chinese criminal organization, and a triad member working undercover in the police force, with both men trying to expose each other. The film garnered a loyal following and widespread critical acclaim in Asia. When legendary director Martin Scorsese took on the challenge of adapting Infernal Affairs for his 2006 Hollywood epic, The Departed, some wondered if he could still add his unique touch to an already outstanding classic. As it turned out, The Departed more than held its own as the film received four Oscars at the 79th Academy Awards. Although The Departed faithfully follows the plot of Infernal Affairs, it distinguishes itself from the original by exploring the complexities of morality while critiquing the corrupt public institutions that claim to serve the American citizens. Through Scorsese’s deft use of character development and questioning of
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