Robert Pattinson starring in a Bong Joon-Ho movie. With a wacky poster. ‘Nuff said. Two weeks ago, during my usual walk to the gym after work, this poster appeared in front of me. It was after sunset, so its illuminated colours stuck me, reminding me that there was a world out of my routine. And I suddenly remembered I used to like movies.
Miracles exists, in the end.
I went absolutely blind today to the movie. I just knew that the combination of the two aforementioned monsters of the screen was enough for me. Aside, the poster seemed to promise a fun ride. It did not disappoint.
Robert Pattinson, in his lovely post-Twilight weird roles, plays the titular Mickey Barnes, some innocent soul who signs for new life in a far away planet in a not-so-distant future, after having screwed some money issues. Or better said, he plays as the seventeenth iteration of Mickey Barnes – since his role in the starship is the expendable. This is, somebody who gets cloned (“reprinted“) every time they die, usually for sakes of experimentation and trial-and-error of physical conditions in space. This leads to a trivialization of death regarded by his comrades in the ship, whilst he struggles every time. Until, one day Mickey 17 survives to an accident that everybody thought that killed him. Just to suddenly find in his room his new clone, Mickey 18, who is everything the former is not: brave, resolutive, rude, daring, and ruthless.
I definitely liked the nonchalantness of the movie in spite of the heavy weight of the topics it discusses. The humour is banal, sometimes stupid, but it works well with the sci-fi setting. Probably, because Star Wars has accustomed us to associate lighheartedness with space in many of its moments. On the other hand, Mickey 17 recreates itself with some gorey details quite frequently – probably an influence of its Korean side. It is not free nor tasteless though, since it contributes to create the ambience.
Many times the movie seems to just see where it can go. More than following a tailored plotline, Mickey 17 likes to explore new directions, establish ground for some plotlines and dynamics, for just to twist them and follow unexpected paths. Nevertheless, this should not be confused with a weak plot. In fact, I saw myself very involved and touched in many of the moments, forgetting I was just watching a movie. I did not even look at my watch for the whole 2.5 hours it lasts!
I should not be mentioning the great register Robert Pattinson has. If somebody here still remembers my review of The Batman (three years ago TODAY, wow!), it should not surprise them that I have quite a liking and respect for this guy. I just love that he has embraced daring weirdness. His role(s) in Mickey 17 let his acting talent fully on display, and it is impossible to not notice it. I am not somebody who pays too much attention on acting when watching anything, so this should be taken as a cue of his very skill.
Lastly, a brief mention to the fact that this work also takes a very incisive bite at certain political practices very seen today. Subtle, but effective and within the narrative frame.
Summing it up, I had a fun time for the first time in I don’t know how much months. It is soothing to know that the magic of cinema will be always there to hug me, no matter what happens.