Mark Ruffalo's "Mickey 17" Character Bears Resemblance to Former U.S. President
In anticipation of his latest film, "Mickey 17," Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho revealed a striking similarity between Mark Ruffalo's antagonist character and a past U.S. president.
"We filmed this picture in London in 2022, and a remarkable event occurred in 2024 that eerily mirrored elements of the film," Bong explained. Ruffalo's character, Kenneth Marshall, exhibits "subtly orange-tinted skin," a feature that has drawn comparisons.
Bong further elaborated that after recent developments, Ruffalo was taken aback by the character's resemblance to reality and questioned, "Were we prophets foretelling the future?"
When asked if this was a deliberate response to former President Trump's criticism of "Parasite's" Academy Awards triumph, Bong dismissed the notion with a humorous quip, eliciting laughter from the BFI audience.
The upcoming film explores the concept of human cloning through the protagonist who endures repetitive "printing" after perishing on perilous missions. The film's unique premise distinguishes it from conventional cloning narratives.
Ruffalo, renowned for his activist roles in films such as "Spotlight" and "Dark Waters," initially expressed surprise at his casting as the villain. Bong recalled, "He was bewildered. 'Why me? Do you perceive that side to me?'"
Bong's distinctive style and blending of genres were also discussed at the event. He explained that he doesn't consciously separate comedy and tragedy when writing, stating, "I don't perceive them as distinct elements. I don't dwell on balancing these components... and then, upon filming, I realize, 'Ah, that's what it is.'"
The director divulged his peculiar writing process, revealing a preference for working in cafes over seclusion. "I frequent cafes and coffee shops. I bring my laptop and spend two to three hours in one establishment, then move on to the next, get some fresh air, and visit a third," although he noted that many of his former writing spots have since closed.
The BFI will showcase several of Bong's films at their Imax theater throughout February and March, with a more comprehensive retrospective set to launch at BFI Southbank in April.