Robert Pattinson Tackles Multiple Clones in Bong Joon Ho’s "Mickey 17": A Dark Sci-Fi Comedy Exploring Identity and Exploitation
Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho, the mastermind behind "Parasite," is back with a highly anticipated science fiction comedy, "Mickey 17," set to hit theaters on Friday. The film stars Robert Pattinson in a challenging and multifaceted role, portraying not one, but 18 versions of the same character, Mickey Barnes, a down-on-his-luck individual seeking to escape his debts and a troubled past.
The premise of "Mickey 17" is based on Ashton Edward’s 2022 novel "Mickey7," and revolves around a colonizing expedition to an icy, unforgiving planet. Pattinson’s Mickey Barnes, burdened by financial woes, signs up as an "expendable" worker, lured by the promise of a fresh start. However, he soon discovers the grim reality of his situation: Mickey is essentially a disposable asset, repeatedly sent into hazardous situations with little regard for his safety.
The crux of the story lies in the advanced technology that allows the colony to "print" new versions of Mickey whenever he meets his demise. Each time Mickey dies, a fresh iteration emerges from a high-tech machine, complete with all the memories and experiences of his predecessors. This cycle of death and rebirth creates a unique and unsettling dynamic, raising profound questions about identity, humanity, and the value of life.
According to Bong Joon Ho, the inspiration to cast Pattinson in this demanding role stemmed from the actor’s previous performances, particularly in "The Lighthouse." Bong saw a "madness" in Pattinson’s eyes during that performance, which he felt perfectly aligned with the character of Mickey 18. He also noted a "strange sense of melancholy" in Pattinson’s portrayal of Batman, a quality he believed could resonate with Mickey’s character.
"Mickey 17" delves into complex themes of identity and colonialism, but Bong Joon Ho’s primary focus was on exploring Mickey’s emotional journey as a character who has been repeatedly resurrected. He describes the human printing technology as "tragic, ridiculous, and cruel," highlighting the dehumanizing nature of the situation Mickey finds himself in.
Pattinson’s Mickey is portrayed as a character haunted by his past, particularly the belief that he caused his mother’s death in a childhood accident. This guilt and self-blame have shaped his life, contributing to his low self-worth and making him a prime candidate for the expendable role he accepts.
However, each iteration of Mickey possesses subtle differences in personality. Naomi Ackie, who plays Mickey’s co-worker and girlfriend, Nasha, refers to Mickey 17 as "mild Mickey" and Mickey 18 as "habanero Mickey," indicating the distinct variations in their temperaments.
Mickey 18, in particular, is described as a "misprint" due to a malfunction during the printing process. Pattinson explains that Mickey 18 is "completely insane" and aware of his limited time on the planet, leading him to live life to the fullest and impart valuable lessons to Mickey 17.
Bong Joon Ho jokingly suggested that "Mickey 17" could be adapted into a Netflix series, with each episode focusing on a different Mickey iteration. The film itself offers glimpses of some of Mickey’s past lives, such as Mickey 12 through 16, who tragically die during vaccine trials.
Pattinson emphasizes the psychological impact of being repeatedly reborn and treated as disposable. He explains that Mickey struggles to process each iteration as a separate being, acknowledging that he is essentially "made out of trash." Despite this dehumanizing reality, Mickey displays empathy for his previous incarnations, using it as a coping mechanism to deal with his existential crisis.
The human printing machine itself serves as a symbol of the film’s tone and message, highlighting the absurdity and folly of humanity. Despite advanced technology and ambitious colonization efforts, humans remain flawed and prone to repeating past mistakes. The machine, designed to resemble a souped-up MRI but functioning like a 1990s inkjet printer, further underscores this theme of technological advancement masking underlying human shortcomings.
Pattinson experienced the physicality of the printing process firsthand, describing the experience as feeling like a "guinea pig." While he allowed a stuntman to handle the more dangerous aspects, such as falling out of the printer, he admits that acting unconscious while steel rollers pinched his butt was not his favorite part of the job.
One memorable anecdote from the set involves a background actor tasked with putting a pipe near Pattinson, which he described as a "character forming experience."
"Mickey 17" promises to be a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that blends dark humor with profound philosophical questions. Robert Pattinson’s performance as multiple versions of Mickey Barnes is sure to be a highlight, showcasing his range and ability to embody complex and emotionally damaged characters. With Bong Joon Ho at the helm, "Mickey 17" has the potential to be a significant contribution to the science fiction genre, exploring themes of identity, exploitation, and the enduring human spirit.
