What was the point in Gerard Depardieu?

Two scenes. He was also in the lifeboat before Piscine got in it.

Whatever the reason, he looks like he should be in a remake of Night of the Living Dead. I have never seen him look worse, though admittedly I have only seen the films from his peak...in France. I wouldn't bother with the crap he's done in this country.

Life sucks, then you're reincarnated

I take it you haven't read the book? Gerard Depardieu was "the cook," which is actually a major character. But since the movie obviously does the 'animals only' part of the book, he doesn't get that many scenes in the movie.