bbc.com
Mickey 17": A Disappointing Sci-Fi Film from Bong Joon Ho
Mickey 17", a $150 million sci-fi film directed by Bong Joon Ho and starring Robert Pattinson as a cloned worker in a dystopian space colony, is receiving mixed reviews for its inconsistent tone and underdeveloped themes, despite its large budget and star-studded cast.
- How does "Mickey 17" compare to Bong Joon Ho's previous work, such as "Parasite", in terms of themes, style, and critical reception?
- Unlike the subversive social commentary of "Parasite", "Mickey 17" is criticized for its inconsistent tone, shifting between sci-fi action and ineffective comedy. The film's exploration of cloning and identity is shallow, failing to deliver on the philosophical and satirical potential of its premise. This is despite featuring performances by actors such as Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette.
- What are the most significant criticisms of "Mickey 17", and what do these critiques suggest about its potential commercial success?
- Mickey 17", Bong Joon Ho's latest film, stars Robert Pattinson as multiple clones participating in a space colony program. The film, with a reported budget of $150 million, is a departure from Joon Ho's previous work, such as the Oscar-winning "Parasite". Initial critical response suggests significant disappointment.
- What are the potential long-term implications of "Mickey 17's" creative choices and its reception on the film industry, particularly regarding risk tolerance in studio filmmaking?
- The film's commercial prospects appear uncertain given mixed reviews and a large budget. The risk-taking nature of the film could, however, influence future studio decisions. The potential impact is unclear: whether it will inspire more creative freedom or lead to greater caution within the film industry remains to be seen.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately establish a negative tone, highlighting the film's flaws before praising any aspects. The negative aspects of the film (being a mess, a disappointment) are presented prominently, while positive elements (mischievous, entertaining) are downplayed. The sequencing prioritizes criticism, potentially influencing the reader's perception before they encounter any positive commentary.
Language Bias
Words like "mess," "disappointment," "groaning obvious performance," "tiresome," and "awful" are used to describe the film and its actors. These loaded terms create a negative and dismissive tone. Neutral alternatives could include "inconsistently paced," "underwhelming," "unconvincing," "predictable," or "conventional." The repeated use of negative descriptors reinforces the overall critical stance.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the negative aspects of the film, neglecting to mention any potential positive critical reception or audience response. There is no mention of box office success or any awards the film may have received beyond noting its failure to win Best Picture. This omission might create a skewed perception of the film's overall impact and reception.
False Dichotomy
The review presents a false dichotomy by framing the film as either a mischievous subversion of Hollywood tropes or a complete failure. It doesn't acknowledge the possibility of a film being both original in its concept and flawed in its execution. The possibility that a film can be both deeply idiosyncratic and still be critically well received is also missing.
Gender Bias
The review describes Toni Collette's character with the phrase "flashing a Cheshire Cat-sized grin of insincerity." This description relies on a stereotypical portrayal of female characters and uses a sexist descriptor. There is no comparable description of Mark Ruffalo's character based on his appearance or mannerisms.
Sustainable Development Goals
The movie depicts a dystopian future where the wealthy exploit the poor, using them as expendable clones for dangerous experiments. This highlights the issue of extreme inequality and lack of ethical considerations in technological advancements, contrasting with the SDG's aim to reduce inequalities within and among countries.