Bong Joon-ho’s "Mickey 17" tops box office charts

Bong Joon-ho's new film "Mickey 17" is a popular sci-fi satire. It features Robert Pattinson as Mickey, a worker who can be recreated after dying. The story explores deep questions about identity and existence as Mickey confronts a duplicate of himself. The film is based on the 2022 novel "Mickey 7" by Edward Ashton. Bong found inspiration in a summary of the book he read in 2020. He was intrigued by the idea of “human printing,” where a person's memories and data can be copied indefinitely. This led him to create a character whose job involves repeatedly dying. In the film, Mickey dies a total of 17 times—10 more than in the novel. His deaths are brutal and highlight the harshness of being viewed as expendable in a capitalist society. This theme resonates with Bong's previous work, such as "Snowpiercer." Bong also wanted to delve into Mickey's character more deeply. In the novel, Mickey is a historian reflecting on humanity's past. In the film, he is a small business owner who failed at running a macaron shop and is now trapped in debt. This version of Mickey is relatable and reflects struggles many people face today. The movie is set in 2054, grounding its science fiction elements in a more familiar context. Bong says this setting allows the audience to connect with the story on a personal level. Another significant change is in the character of Kenneth Marshall, the villain. In the novel, he is an authoritarian dictator. In the film, he is portrayed as a more populist and charming leader with troubling ideologies. This change allows for more dark humor and critique on politics. Bong also introduces a new character, Ylfa Marshall, who influences her husband, Kenneth. Her quirky obsession adds to the film's comedic elements. One aspect that remains from the novel is the romance between Mickey and Nasha, played by Naomi Ackie. Their love story is central to the plot, as Nasha supports Mickey through his challenges. Bong highlights their relationship as a key to maintaining humanity amidst overwhelming struggles. The film's ending also differs from the novel, focusing more on themes of love and sacrifice. While the specifics are kept secret, it’s clear that Bong wants to emphasize the transformative power of love. Overall, "Mickey 17" combines humor, sci-fi, and social commentary, capturing the audience's attention while exploring existential themes.