Join the hosts as they dive into the thrills of 'Dead Money', dissecting its poker strategies and cinematic flaws. They explore the gaming vibes of 'Avowed' and the character dynamics of 'Daredevil: Born Again', tackling superhero fatigue in entertainment. The conversation turns to classic cinema with a look at 'The French Connection', praising its narrative tension. Finally, they offer a thoughtful critique of 'Mickey 17', focusing on its creativity and deeper themes, while wondering how it fits into the landscape of modern sci-fi.
Mickey 17 presents a thought-provoking critique of labor and exploitation, reflecting societal dynamics where the rich manipulate the disenfranchised for their gain.
The film explores complex themes of identity and individuality through cloning, questioning the continuity of self as each iteration of Mickey is uniquely different.
Joon-ho's distinctive visual style enhances the narrative, contrasting the harshness of the icy environment with the emotional depth of human connections amidst the chaos of cloning.
Deep dives
Review of Mickey 17
Mickey 17 is a science fiction film directed by Bong Joon-ho, featuring Robert Pattinson as an expendable human clone sent to an ice planet for colonization. The movie explores themes of labor, identity, and exploitation, reflecting how the wealthiest individuals utilize those below them to achieve their goals. As the protagonist faces the challenge of dying repeatedly and being resurrected as clones, he struggles with the consequences of his existence and the moral implications of his role within a larger system. The film cleverly intertwines humor with serious social commentary, drawing comparisons between the life of clones and the realities many face in today's labor market.
The Role of Cloning and Identity
The film delves deeply into the philosophical implications of cloning, particularly through the lens of Mickey 17, who is aware that with each resurrection, a new version of himself emerges, potentially with different traits. This concept raises questions about individuality and continuity of self, as Mickey navigates the implications of being a disposable laborer made for dangerous tasks. The existence of multiple clones, each with varying personalities, adds complexity to the narrative, showcasing how identity evolves with every iteration. These existential themes are cruxed by poignant conversations and unexpected emotional depth, thus making Mickey's journey a reflection of contemporary issues around autonomy and self-worth.
Satire and Social Commentary
Mickey 17 employs satire to comment on how society often overlooks the disempowered, presenting a world where the rich manipulate the poor for their gains. The film's portrayal of the scientific team, particularly the apathetic attitudes of those in charge, emphasizes how the system fails to respect the lives it exploits, instead treating clones as mere commodities. Joon-ho’s approach taps into the notion of failing upwards—a critique of how those who are incompetent still attain higher positions due to privilege and connection. The humor employed in situations, such as mishaps in cloning or the obliviousness of authority figures, underlines the absurdity of these injustices and resonates strongly with the audience.
Character Dynamics and Relationships
The dynamics between Mickey 17 and the other characters, especially his romantic interest played by Naomi Aki, reveal the complexities of human connection within a manufactured existence. Their relationship, rooted in shared experiences, presents an emotional anchor for Mickey amidst the chaos of cloning and relentless labor. Additionally, the interactions among the clones contribute to character development, with themes of rivalry and camaraderie surfacing as their realities intertwine. However, some character arcs — like that of a supporting character who quickly falls for Mickey after a traumatic event — feel less developed, hinting at more profound explorations of love and companionship that remain unexplored.
Visual and Thematic Ambiguity
Visually, Mickey 17 showcases Joon-ho's distinctive style, blending sci-fi aesthetics with sweeping landscapes and striking imagery of the ice planet. The film juxtaposes the starkness of the environment with the more mundane aspects of human experience, creating a rich thematic tapestry. Despite the impressive visuals and inventive concepts, some viewers may find the narrative's progression and thematic resolutions muddled or underwhelming, particularly during the film’s more chaotic final act. Ultimately, the film leaves room for further exploration of its core ideas, prompting discussions on the effectiveness of its commentary and the potential for future narratives surrounding cloning and societal exploitation.
David, Devindra, and Jeff take bets on Dead Money, explore the lush worlds of Avowed, and return to Hell’s Kitchen with Daredevil: Born Again. Then they decide if Bong Joon-ho can regenerate greatness with Mickey 17.
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Shownotes (All timestamps are approximate only) What we've been watching (~00:02:01)
David - Dead Money, The French Connection
Devindra - Avowed
Jeff - Daredevil: Born Again, The First Slam Dunk
Featured Review (~00:50:21)
Mickey 17 SPOILERS (~01:06:58)
Support David's artistic endeavors at his Patreon and subscribe to his free newsletter Decoding Everything. Check out Jeff Cannata’s podcasts DLC and We Have Concerns. Listen to Devindra's podcast with Engadget on all things tech. You can always e-mail us at slashfilmcast(AT)gmail(DOT)com.
Credits:
Our theme song is by Tim McEwan from The Midnight. This episode was edited by Noah Ross who also created our weekly plugs and spoiler bumper music. Our Slashfilmcourt music comes from Simon Harris.
