Daniel Henshall, known for films like Snowtown, discusses his role in Bong Joon-ho's satirical sci-fi Mickey 17, exploring cloning and its ramifications. Dichen Lachman, from Severance, delves into the show's emotional depth, particularly themes of work-life separation and grief. Joel Edgerton shares insights on parallel universes in Dark Matter, highlighting his character's struggle with identity. The trio reflects on the filmmaking process and the challenges of portraying multiple identities, all while advocating for more Australian narratives in global media.
Daniel Henshall discusses the collaborative and trusting environment fostered by Bong Joon-ho on the set of Mickey 17, enhancing actor performance.
Severance challenges corporate culture by showcasing how separating work from personal lives leads to emotional numbness and a mechanical existence.
Deep dives
Exploring Duality and Cloning in Mickey 17
The film Mickey 17 delves into themes of duality and cloning, focusing on a protagonist who is resurrected multiple times through a human flesh printer. Featuring Robert Pattinson as Mickey, the story unfolds around a space mission that goes awry when Mickey unexpectedly survives a lethal task, leading to a confusion of identities as a newer clone emerges. The film critiques corporate greed and class tension, showcasing a tech mogul's desire to colonize another planet, which is already inhabited by hostile creatures. This narrative mirrors themes found in previous works by the director Bong Joon-ho, emphasizing the struggles of the little guy in a society marked by hierarchies and the corrupting influences of power.
Insights on Working with Bong Joon-ho
Actor Daniel Henshaw shares his experiences working with the acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho, highlighting the unique workflow and creative freedom on set. Henshaw describes how Bong selectively shoots only what is necessary for the final edit, pushing actors to deliver strong performances quickly. This approach fosters an environment of trust and collaboration, allowing talent to explore their characters within defined parameters. Henshaw emphasizes the value of being cast specifically by Bong, reinforcing the personal connection and responsibility he felt to meet the director's expectations in their second collaboration.
The Corporate Dystopia of Severance
The series Severance presents a dystopian scenario where employees undergo a procedure that bifurcates their consciousness, separating work from personal lives. This creates a satirical exploration of corporate culture, portraying a company that discourages personal connections and emotional pain, leading to a mechanical existence. Through the character of Mark, viewers witness the emotional struggles related to grief as he uses the severance process to escape painful memories. The narrative cleverly comments on contemporary societal issues, drawing parallels with real-world organizational practices and the innate human desire for connection and authenticity.
Themes of Identity and Reflection in Dark Matter
The series Dark Matter revolves around the notion of parallel universes and the impact of choices made in life, as the main character confronts a different version of himself who has succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. This setup raises profound questions about identity, regret, and the societal pressures associated with success, pushing viewers to reflect on their own life choices. Joel Edgerton, who stars in multiple roles, discusses the duality of his characters and the emotional complexity that arises from exploring their motivations and conflicts. The series ultimately serves as a commentary on the sacrifices made for career and the existential quest for meaning outside of success.
Australian actor Daniel Henshall talks about his latest role, in Oscar winner Bong Joon-ho's Mickey 17, where he stars alongside Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo and Robert Pattinson in a black comedy about the dangers of cloning and colonisation.
As the latest season of Severance rolls out, a show about a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives, another Australian actor, Dichen Lachman, joins us from London.
Presenter, Jason Di Rosso
Producer, Sarah Corbett
Sound engineer, Riley Mellis
Executive producer, Rhiannon Brown
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