What happens when you have two films, two years apart, and the same premise for their story? Other than confusion, you may start to take sides. That’s exactly what is happening with the new film, Repo Men, and the 2008 film, Repo! The Genetic Opera. You have two films so close to each other, that the gloves may start to come of, and some may want to make their point known. Darren Bousman, director of Repo!, wants you to know your “history” before you start saying who came first.
There is a new post on Darren’s blog, that gives you the straight up facts in regards to letting you know that his film came first. But why? Who’s asking? Apparently more people than you would think. This is the reason for the blog post.
Darren gives you the complete story of the when and the wheres, of Repo! (originally known as 10 Minute Operas) and goes into visual comparison’s of the films. See, Repo! was based off of the 10 Minute Operas, which were around since 1999, whereas Repo Men is based of the book, The Repossession Mambo, which was published in 2009, although written many years prior, have a lot in common. But, is it thievery, or just a story line that if the plot were any different, it just wouldn’t work?
Here is what is similar, and for good reason, gives you an chance to call foul:
Logo – 
The Drug –
Repo! uses Z, a brightly lit blue liquid
Repo uses Q, a shiny red powder
Those just seem way too close and one would have a point to argue the similarities. Now, let’s take a look at some that have been called “rip-off’s”
The Organs –
Both films go for highly important pieces, such as the eye, the heart, and the liver. Well, if Jude Law were to show up and repossess my hand because I haven’t made my payment, then go ahead and take it. The point is, you HAVE to go with parts of high caliber. Anything less would make for a lame plot.
The Terms –
90 Days. Both use it. And so did my cell phone service when I bought my iPhone. It’s a standard ruling in commercial contracts. It’s found everywhere. Good luck telling Sears that their service agreement on your tractor is in copyright violation.
The Tools –
The main repossession characters use scalpels to remove the past due organs. That’s pretty common sense. A scalpel is used because of it’s intricate detail. A doctor uses a scalpel for a clean cut. These films are not chainsaw and hatchet horror films. They are trained individuals who get the job done the right way.
The point is, yes, while there are a few things that just do not seem original with Repo Men, the same can be said for films in regards to outer space and the mafia. You have to have similar elements, otherwise your film is weak. No one said anything when Star Wars and Star Trek both had spaceships. Well, maybe they did, but no one listened to them. What I wouldn’t give to hear the side of Repo Men.
What do you think? Repo! is on DVD, Repo Men is set for a release date of March 19th.
Source: SpookyDan, DLB
