Warning: This article contains spoilers for Mickey 17Mickey 17 director Bong Joon Ho provides intriguing insights into the film’s distinctive end title credit. This new release is a captivating blend of sci-fi comedy and adventure, garnering impressive reviews from critics. For instance, ScreenRant reviewer Alex Harrison awarded Mickey 17 an impressive eight out of ten stars. The film features Robert Pattinson in the role of Mickey Barnes, a character who is part of a space colony and is classified as an “expendable.” This means that Mickey is expected to endure numerous challenges and ultimately be sacrificed, only to be recreated for further missions.
In a revealing interview with GamesRadar+, Bong elaborated on the film’s innovative title card and its transformative sequence. Initially, the title card displays “Mickey 17,” but then it transitions to “Mickey 18.” Subsequently, the narrative returns to the beginning, featuring a scene where Mickey finds himself trapped in a freezing cave. At the film’s conclusion, the title card ultimately changes to “Mickey Barnes.” Bong remarked:
So this film represents a journey for our protagonist, Mickey, regarding his self-identity. The narrative primarily follows Mickey 17. When the title card sounds a bell and shifts from 17 to 18, we see Mickey in the cave, progressing through various stages to reclaim his selfhood and attain self-respect as simply Mickey Barnes. In essence, it’s a profound coming-of-age tale.
Choosing the number 18 was intentional, as most cultures recognize this age as the threshold of adulthood.
Exploring the Significance of the Title for Mickey 17
How the Opening Sequence Establishes Character Dynamics
Bong elucidated that the opening sequence of Mickey 17 serves as a pivotal mechanism to transition the focus from the initial character, Mickey 17, to his subsequent iteration, Mickey 18. Presenting the title initially as “Mickey 17” effectively sets the narrative to revolve around this version of Pattinson’s character. However, the clever shift to “18” signals the introduction of another Mickey, hinting at an evolving storyline. According to Bong, the choice of the number 18 also reflects the universal recognition of adulthood, marking a significant transformation in the character’s journey.
The emergence of Mickey 18 as the new title card symbolizes his evolving role throughout the film. Following the presumed death of Mickey 17, Mickey 18 quickly forms a relationship with the former’s girlfriend, Nasha (played by Naomi Ackie), and assumes his duties as an expendable again. Yet, as the plot unfolds, both Mickeys are compelled to collaborate, ultimately leading to liberation for all expendables. At the film’s finale, the title card transitions from “Mickey 18” back to “Mickey 17” and, culminates in “Mickey Barnes,” which represents his true identity.
Analyzing the Creative Approach of Mickey 17’s Title Card
The Title Card Ingeniously Initiates the Narrative
Bong’s decision to initiate the film with this impactful title card is a brilliant move, as it lays the groundwork for the thrilling experience that Mickey 17 promises. From this simple yet profound sequence, viewers quickly grasp that Mickey 18 is poised to take over the narrative arc of Mickey 17. Furthermore, it establishes a deeper understanding of the characters, highlighting the contrast between the meekness of Mickey 17 and the assertiveness of Mickey 18. Bong skillfully utilizes the Mickey 17 title sequence to delineate the various iterations of Mickey, ultimately linking back to his authentic identity as Mickey Barnes, a name that resonates in the film’s final credits.
Source: GamesRadar+
