Given the studio scope and colossal budget allocated to this latest Bong Joon Ho effort, it's refreshing to know that even under such conditions, the many consistent thematic interests and cinematic impulses of Bong remain ever present.
Mickey 17 is a work that blends elements of Keaton slapstick, space opera camp and biting capitalist commentary, to form the genesis for this ambitious and big-brained tentpole swing.
With allegories that threaten to become obtrusive, there is a clear lack of subtlety here at times, with certain characters occasionally veering off into caricature. It's all obviously part of Bong's intention to take this into an absurdist realm, but when things emerge so level-headed, this gradual shift can become a tad frustrating.
Beneath this uneven, but earnest chaos, lies Robert Pattinson as the titular 'Mickey' (in fact, he also plays various other Mickey's). It's all very inspired stuff from Pattinson, who is tasked with adding some immense physicality into this role, as well as incorporating some comedic voice play to distinguish the various Mickey's.
Whilst this farcical sci-fi adventure mightn't be able to contain itself, or reach the soaring heights of some of Bong's more grounded efforts, it is still a revitalising blockbuster, boasting a distinctive voice.
It's a picture that reaches for the stars with its poignant study of morality in a capitalist world, offering up a darkly comedic look at a future where industrialist and colonialist greed has consumed us.
Again, it's all very timely and reflective stuff, Bong never disappoints in that regard.
The Cinematheque
Some thoughts on Mickey 17 -
Given the studio scope and colossal budget allocated to this latest Bong Joon Ho effort, it's refreshing to know that even under such conditions, the many consistent thematic interests and cinematic impulses of Bong remain ever present.
Mickey 17 is a work that blends elements of Keaton slapstick, space opera camp and biting capitalist commentary, to form the genesis for this ambitious and big-brained tentpole swing.
With allegories that threaten to become obtrusive, there is a clear lack of subtlety here at times, with certain characters occasionally veering off into caricature. It's all obviously part of Bong's intention to take this into an absurdist realm, but when things emerge so level-headed, this gradual shift can become a tad frustrating.
Beneath this uneven, but earnest chaos, lies Robert Pattinson as the titular 'Mickey' (in fact, he also plays various other Mickey's). It's all very inspired stuff from Pattinson, who is tasked with adding some immense physicality into this role, as well as incorporating some comedic voice play to distinguish the various Mickey's.
Whilst this farcical sci-fi adventure mightn't be able to contain itself, or reach the soaring heights of some of Bong's more grounded efforts, it is still a revitalising blockbuster, boasting a distinctive voice.
It's a picture that reaches for the stars with its poignant study of morality in a capitalist world, offering up a darkly comedic look at a future where industrialist and colonialist greed has consumed us.
Again, it's all very timely and reflective stuff, Bong never disappoints in that regard.
8 months ago | [YT] | 5