Bong Joon-ho's *Mickey 17*: A Sci-Fi Trip That's Kinda Freaky and Totally Relevant
Okay, so I saw Bong Joon-ho's new movie, Mickey 17, with Robert Pattinson, and wow, it's a wild ride. It's about these expendable clones sent on a space colonization mission, which is already pretty out there, right? But what really got me thinking was how unsettlingly close to home some of it felt. It's not just sci-fi; it's a sharp commentary on power, and honestly, it's a little unnerving.
The Villain: More Than Just a Trump Stand-In?
Mark Ruffalo plays Kenneth Marshall, the villain, and yeah, a lot of people are drawing comparisons to Donald Trump. The egomania, the hunger for power…it's pretty striking. But Bong Joon-ho himself said Marshall is actually a mix of various politicians and dictators throughout history. He’s a composite of many bad actors, so to speak. And that's the chilling part: people from all over the world are seeing their own "stressful political leaders" in him. That makes you think, doesn’t it?
Cloning, Exploitation, and the Devaluation of Life
The whole premise of expendable clones is a brilliant metaphor for how we often devalue human life. Mickey 17 isn’t just about space; it’s about systems that prioritize profit and power over people. It’s a subtle but powerful critique of unchecked corporate power and ambition—and Ruffalo’s performance? It’s totally over-the-top, which just adds to the unsettling effect. You know how sometimes things just spiral? This movie shows that quite vividly.
More Than Just Politics: Identity and the Human Condition
But it’s not *just* a political satire. Mickey 17 digs into deeper questions about identity, memory, and what it even means to be human. Robert Pattinson plays multiple versions of Mickey, and that really makes you question what constitutes a "self." Is it just our memories? Our experiences? Or something more fundamental? The film keeps you guessing on that one.
A Stunning Visual Feast with a Few Bumps in the Road
Visually, the movie is stunning. It’s a really unique blend of dark humor and absolutely breathtaking visuals. It's a weird mix that somehow works. But honestly, it wasn't perfect. Some critics thought the tone was inconsistent—it shifts between biting satire and slapstick humor in a way that felt jarring at times. And some plotlines felt a bit underdeveloped. It's almost like Bong Joon-ho threw a lot of ideas at the wall to see what would stick.
Worth a Watch, Even With Its Flaws
Despite its imperfections, Mickey 17 is a thought-provoking film that tackles some really timely and relevant themes. It’s not quite Parasite, but Pattinson’s performance and Bong’s distinctive visual style make it a worthwhile cinematic experience. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. So, if you’re looking for a smart, visually stunning sci-fi flick with some serious food for thought, go check it out. It's playing in theaters now.
