Robert Pattinson’s beyond perfect performance cannot save, ‘Mickey 17‘ from political propaganda in an alternate timeline of November, 2024.
Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ruffalo) and Gwen (Toni Collette) an odd amalgamation of President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden and Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, as well as former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene in ‘Mickey 17’.
The Orange County Film Society hosted a screening of the film adaptation of ‘Mickey 17‘, directed by Bong Joon Ho, has left me deeply disappointed, particularly in how it feels more like a strange, anti-Trump commentary of the Edward Ashton’s novel of the same name. What easily could have been a tremendous sci-fi, dark comedy, turned into political propaganda. As brilliant as Mark Ruffalo is, his portrayal of Kenneth Marshall comes across as a peculiar blend of President Donald Trump, former President Joe Biden during his cognitive decline, and Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, particularly in the aftermath of his stroke recovery. Toni Collette’s performance as Gwen Marshall is excellent, but the character feels as an odd mix between former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Gwen’s inexplicable obsession with sauces, adds even greater confusion.
I had genuinely hoped ‘Mickey 17‘ would focus on Mickey Barnes (played by Robert Pattinson). Pattinson’s dual portrayal of multiples, Mickey 17 and Mickey 18, along with their interactions with the alien species and the hints of various versions that originated from Mickey Barnes aka Mickey Prime was beyond perfect. Unfortunately, the movie diverges too far into political ideology, where they were certain former Vice President Kamala Harris would have become our 47th president. They continuously pointed to Marshall losing both campaign bids as if to shine a light on current President Trump would have lost in November, 2024.
Naomi Ackie’s performance as Nasha is phenomenal. She brings depth, strength, sexiness and nuance to the role, making her one of the highlights of the film. However, transforming her character in the final act as a clear reflection of the idealized former Vice President does a disservice to the complexity of Nasha herself. This choice further demonstrates that Warner Bros. failed to understand the shifting political climate. I had already given up on following politics for Lent, and ‘Mickey 17‘ did nothing to help ease that decision. Instead, it felt like yet another vehicle for political commentary, that should have been released in October, with their confidence in a Harris victory. The final act overshadows the film’s potential as a compelling science fiction dark comedy. Instead, they hit the audience over the head with a Harley Quinn sized mallet, in displaying political biases.
Bong Joon Ho, the Academy Award-winning director of ‘Parasite‘, certainly has an eye for thought-provoking cinema, but ‘Mickey 17‘ has fallen on deaf ears in a post-election climate that left me exhausted from endless lectures from both parties.
‘Mickey 17‘ comes to theaters on Friday, March 7, 2025.
For more information about upcoming screenings via the Orange County Film Society visit: https://www.ocfilmsociety.com/.
Summary
‘Mickey 17‘ feels like it gets too tangled in political messaging, overshadowing the amazing acting, gorgeous cinematography and the rich science fiction elements of the story.
“Unfortunately, the movie diverges too far into political ideology, where they were certain former Vice President Kamala Harris would have become our 47th president.”
Filming wrapped January 2023, 18 months before Harris’ candidacy was announced.
This was fantastic and exactly how I feel. It was exhausting and they could not read the room that we are all so TIRED of this. Regardless of which side of the aisle you fall on. I was so disappointed because it could have been so cool. Thank you for being the only one to say all of this and it perfectly anrticulates everything I feel!!!!