Q&A: Alan Mak

Martin Scorsese’s The Departed, which last week won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, is an adaptation of Infernal Affairs, the 2002 Hong Kong thriller about triad gangs and police moles. Alan Mak, who co-wrote and co-directed Infernal Affairs, spoke with TIME’s Peter Ritter about Scorsese, cops, and what should have won.

What gave you the idea for Infernal Affairs?
My father and brother are both policemen. When I was small, my father told me stories about moles inside the triads, and what happened to them.

How did you feel when you heard Scorsese was remaking your film?
I thought, “That’s great.” I’m a fan of Scorsese. When I was younger, I watched Taxi Driver, Goodfellas and Casino. That’s why I’m disappointed. I thought Scorsese would make a different movie. I understand they really liked Infernal Affairs. But, for me, if I take a story from somewhere, I’ll take only the soul of the story. Nowadays, if you want to remake Romeo and Juliet, you have to change it.

During the Academy Awards ceremony, the announcer said The Departed was a remake of a Japanese movie.
It’s such a big joke! How can that happen? Nobody checked?

Did The Departed deserve to win?
To give Scorsese Best Director—everyone understands that. Best Picture? That’s a little bit incredible. Is it impolite to say that?

So what should have won?
I really liked Babel. For me, it’s something new.