Bong Joon Ho Discusses ‘Mickey 17’ and His Innovative Filmmaking Style

At the British Film Institute, beloved director Bong Joon Ho, known for his groundbreaking and genre-defying films such as “Parasite”, engaged in a captivating conversation about his newest project, “Mickey 17.” During the discussion, Bong dropped a fascinating bombshell, hinting at a striking resemblance between Mark Ruffalo’s antagonist character in the film and a certain U.S. president.

Insights into ‘Mickey 17’

Bong, through an interpreter, shared that the film was shot in London during 2022. In the film, antagonist Kenneth Marshall, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, exhibits “faintly orange-tinged skin.” He noted that a parallel event occurred in reality in 2024, sparking curiosity among the audience. Bong humorously remarked, “Mark Ruffalo was also quite surprised to see it play out in reality and wondered, ‘Were we oracles predicting the future?’” He then quickly clarified, “Not that petty,” drawing laughter from the BFI audience regarding potential responses to past controversies.

A Deeper Look at the Film

Optimistic about the March 7, 2024, release, Bong explained that the Warner Bros. production stars Robert Pattinson, who takes on the role of a character feature in Edward Ashton’s novel who is repeatedly “printed” after fatal missions. This concept of human printing differs from conventional cloning narratives, intriguing Bong and the filmmakers alike. “I was quite fascinated by that concept,” Bong mentioned, highlighting the unique premise.

The Casting of Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo, famous for his roles in activist-driven films like “Spotlight” and “Dark Waters,” was initially perplexed by his casting as the villain. “He was quite flustered,” Bong recalled, adding, “‘Why me? Do you see that side?'”

Bong’s Cinematic Journey

The BFI event not only delved into ‘Mickey 17’ but also celebrated Bong’s rich filmmaking career. Spanning from his 2000 debut, “Barking Dogs Never Bite,” to triumphant films like “Memories of Murder,” “The Host,” and “Mother” – the latter two will screen in both color and black-and-white during BFI’s upcoming retrospective. His ability to blend genres and tones seamlessly is a hallmark of his work.

Genre Blending: A Natural Flow

On the subject of his distinctive filmmaking approach, Bong admitted he doesn’t consciously separate elements such as comedy and tragedy. “I don’t really see them in those separate elements,” he explained. “I don’t really think about how to balance these different parts…and then shoot the film and realize that, ‘Oh, that’s what it is.’”

Bong’s Writing Process

Sharing his writing process, Bong revealed he prefers working in cafes rather than isolated spaces. “I go to cafeterias, coffee shops,” he said. “Take my laptop, stay in one coffee shop for two, three hours, go to the next one, get some fresh air, and the third one.” However, he expressed sadness about the closure of many of his former writing spots.

Upcoming BFI Screenings

The BFI will showcase several of Bong’s films at their IMAX theater through February and March, with a comprehensive retrospective launching at BFI Southbank in April. Film enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to as Bong’s works continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Conclusion

In this insightful interview, Bong Joon Ho not only shed light on ‘Mickey 17’ but also provided a windy tour of his illustrious career, offering deep insights into his unique filmmaking style and inspirations. “Mickey 17” promises to be another memorable addition to his already impressive body of work. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to Bong’s cinema, his new film is worth watching.

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