Finally, the return of master Bong Joon-ho. He has come with his new film 'Mickey 17'.
Ahead of its release, I met director Bong Joon-ho (55) on the 19th at the Conrad Seoul Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, to discuss various aspects of 'Mickey 17'. 'Mickey 17' is Bong's first new work in five years since 'Parasite' (2020), but he said he feels no pressure. He simply continues to follow his own path.
Based on the novel 'Mickey7' by American author Edward Ashton, 'Mickey 17' is set in the future and tells the story of a disposable employee called 'Expendable' sent to colonize an ice planet. The story unfolds as the 17th Mickey, who has been newly printed, meets the 18th Mickey, who was printed under the assumption that the 17th Mickey was dead.
The production budget is reported to be around $150 million to $200 million (approximately 215.7 billion to 287.6 billion won), making it the largest scale film directed by Bong. It features famous actors including Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. The film was invited to the special gala section of the Berlin International Film Festival and had its world premiere in Germany on the 15th. It will be released in Korea on the 28th and in North America on March 7. Below is a Q&A with director Bong.
Q. It's been five years since 'Parasite' and now you have a new release. How do you feel?
A. After the Oscar race, I took a break for about 6-7 weeks. I finished the script around September 2021 and met with the lead actor Robert Pattinson at the end of the year. The project progressed so smoothly that it felt like water flowing. Originally, it would have been best to release it last fall, but due to significant issues in Hollywood, the lineup was delayed, causing the release to be later than expected. In fact, I have been working non-stop, so it feels unfair that it looks like I took a long break because of the delayed release date. I worked really hard. (laughs)
Q. Do you feel any pressure in revealing your next work at the peak of your career?
A. In fact, I received an invitation to compete at the Berlin Film Festival. However, we replied that we wanted to go to the non-competitive gala section to enjoy it fully. I have already received glorious awards and had amazing experiences, so I needed to step away from that chaos. That way, I can continue to follow my own path and work. I have been diligently working on that. Perhaps that's why I don't feel much pressure about my next work. I just want to work hard as I always do.
Q. The international response has been enthusiastic. Many are connecting it to the current political situation and recalling specific politicians. (The same goes for Korea)
A. Please remember that the script was completed in September 2021. Both internationally and domestically, people are connecting it to their own political issues. There is a dictator couple in the film that does not exist in the original novel, and I recalled infamous figures like the Marcos couple from the Philippines and the Ceausescu couple from Romania. I created it with real past politicians in mind. I thought of the terrible yet ridiculous politicians that have existed in history and incorporated that into the film. However, everyone seems to think of their own special situations and figures. I can't fall behind in that regard.
Q. Still, you must have been surprised by the events surrounding Trump in the U.S.
A. I've heard a lot about that overseas. They mention 'Trump'. I had no intention of that, but even Mark Ruffalo, after watching the finished film, was curious and asked, 'Did we do something prophetic?' I didn't want to make a prophecy. (laughs) They also asked if additional filming happened after the actual events occurred. Again, I want to emphasize that this story is based on a script completed in September 2021, and filming proceeded immediately. There were no additional shoots or modifications considering the current situation. I was surprised too. (laughs)
Q. There has been a lot of praise for lead actor Robert Pattinson's performance. What instructions did you give him?
A. He is a pale and handsome actor with a variety of colors. I wanted something completely different from what he showed in 'Twilight', a pathetic, pitiful, and timid atmosphere. In fact, the actors created everything themselves, so I didn't have much to order. It's their area of expertise. They prepared very delicately and understood the character perfectly. I think I was lucky.
Q. How did you think of making a global heartthrob look pathetic...
A. Don't keep labeling me as a 'flower boy destroyer'. (laughs) In fact, during 'Mother', I struggled a lot to make Won-bin look less handsome. That memory suddenly came to mind. (laughs) Robert Pattinson also has a significant aura from 'Twilight'. However, I discovered something new in his other works, and it connected with 'Mickey'. It turned out to be much better than I expected. He expressed 'one person playing multiple roles' exceptionally well. Once again, I think I was lucky. Thank you.
Q. He seems very polite and friendly. Did you have any teachings for him?
A. He kept doing Korean hearts and seemed overly happy. It wasn't just in my eyes. He did the same in Germany as well. I didn't give any orders. (laughs) His actual personality is quiet and kind. He is genuine. He is not at all difficult to work with. The staff found it amazing how he doesn't trouble people. There is no star-like prickliness or sensitivity. He is considerate of those around him and enjoys every scene (like promoting the film at festivals) while doing his best. He seems to have a good innate character. (Continued in Interview ②)
