Cinema, recognized for its universal language, faces challenges when crossing cultural boundaries, which can affect the viewer’s perception. The film Mickey 17, directed by the acclaimed Bong Joon-ho, emerges as a brilliant example of these complexities, combining black comedy and science fiction in a narrative that sharply critiques late capitalism. If you missed it in theaters, you can now watch it streaming on HBO Max.
How many Mickeys does it take to change a light bulb?
Starring Robert Pattinson, who plays multiple versions of the same character, Mickey 17 follows the story of Mickey Barnes, a man burdened by debt who joins a space expedition as expendable. This decision, motivated by the possibility of escaping a dystopian Earth, places him on a journey where his clones are continuously created from his DNA and memories, involving a constant exploration of self-preservation and sacrifice in a system that does not hesitate to consume individuals in favor of progress.
The film uses dark humor to address serious themes such as addiction and criminality in an oppressive environment. The different attitudes that Mickey’s clones adopt towards this system reflect the resistance and human complexity when facing a social order that considers them interchangeable. The exaggerated portrayal of a business leader, evoked by a Mark Ruffalo who merges traits of contemporary figures like Trump and Musk, adds a layer of satire to the narrative.
Despite being one of Bong Joon-ho’s less polished works, Mickey 17 stands out for its bold fusion of Eastern influences with the aesthetics of Hollywood blockbusters. This amalgamation, although sometimes dissonant, offers a cinematic experience rich in ideas and reflections on the quest for self-esteem and personal value in contexts that often dehumanize the individual.