'Parasite' director Bong Joon-Ho satires American imperialism through his new sci-fi black comedy film
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Imagine a future where America expands its empire into space, driven by wealthy elites whose greed creates an unforgiving world for everyday people, now used as disposable pawns in the chase for power. Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-Ho brings Mickey 17 to the audience, a bold new satire that shows a funny yet grim vision of space colonization ruined by greed and corruption.
Following his success with Parasite, Bong uses dark humour and drama to challenge viewers about humanity's endless ambition.
Mickey 17 stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, an everyman fleeing from debtors desperately on Earth.
He unwittingly enrols himself as the designated 'Expendable' on a spaceship bound for the icy Niflheim.
The role of an Expendable? A renewable resource subjected to lethal tasks repeatedly regenerated via cloning technology banned on Earth yet readily exploited off-world.
Each Mickey is merely a replaceable cog, facing constant death and rebirth in increasingly absurd and painful circumstances.
Pattinson once typecasted for his Twilight fame, impresses with his versatility in portraying the increasingly tormented Mickey clones.
He delivers a nuanced performance, switching between the timid, empathetic Mickey, 17, and his aggressive successor, Mickey, 18. Pattinson's portrayal adds emotions and darkly comedic resonance to the film's exploration of existential absurdities.
Mickey fights to survive being disposable with his foolish yet ambitious crew. Mark Ruffalo plays Kenneth Marshall, the crew's leader.
Marshall represents an exaggerated version of American irredentism, complete with an exaggerated Southern accent and Trump-like mannerisms. The Marshall character is Bong's criticism of unchecked power and capitalism.
Despite its dystopian sci-fi visuals and dark humour, Mickey 17 has some flaws. Some viewers may find the story shifting in tones too much, jumping from dark comedy to slapstick and moral lessons.
The film's satirical edge is sharp, addressing issues like class disparity, corporate exploitation, and humanity's inherent cruelty.
Bong uses Mickey's disposability to show how society casually accepts injustices as usual. A standout montage showing Mickey's repeated deaths is both hilarious and uncomfortable, showing the film's grim reflection on the use of humans as mere commodities.
The film also explores the romantic entanglement between Mickey and security officer Nasha (Naomi Ackie), whose acceptance of multiple Mickeys offers provocative commentary on identity and personhood. Their relationship provides emotional grounding in the chaotic narrative.
Ultimately, Mickey 17 is a darkly comedic and creative film that boldly tackles significant social critiques, though sometimes it becomes too ambitious.
Bong's direction remains perceptive. The film blends sci-fi appeal with satirical social commentary, a style reminiscent of his earlier films, such as Snowpiercer and Okja.
Can Mickey Barnes break the cycle which exists to dispose of him repeatedly, or will he remain forever trapped in a nightmarish cycle of rebirth and exploitation? Viewers must watch to discover if Bong Joon-Ho's cynical vision grants redemption or condemns humanity's eternal follies. Mickey 17 isn't the perfect film, but it provides enough thoughts to reflect upon and debate about humanity's way into the cosmos.