Robert Pattinson plays two prominent characters in Mickey 17, which allows him to show off his immense range as an actor. The story of the Bong Joon-ho-directed movie starts with Mickey 17 about to face death, which is something he has gotten used to since escaping Earth and joining a space expedition to the planet Niflheim. Since he signs up to be an “Expendable,” Mickey is killed many times in the movie, then his body gets re-printed. This is exactly what happens again after Timo abandons Mickey 17 in the cave on Niflheim.
However, much to Mickey 17’s surprise, rather than brutally murdering him, the Creepers save his life. When he arrives back at the spaceship, he discovers that Mickey 18 has already been printed out, meaning that Pattinson plays two characters in the cast of Mickey 17. After discovering this and knowing that duplicates result in both versions being killed, both Mickey 17 and Mickey 18 fight for their lives. Even though only one of them lives to the end of Mickey 17, they are both very memorable and entertaining characters.
Mickey 17 vs Mickey 18: Which Robert Pattinson Performance Is Better
Pattinson Gives A Very Unique Performance As Mickey 17
In the flashbacks in Mickey 17, it is clear that Mickey is a perpetually nervous person. This is why he quickly finds a way to escape Earth and freely signs up to be an Expendable after being threatened by a loan shark. After Mickey’s full backstory is revealed, it is obvious that Mickey 17 shares a lot of personality traits with the version of the character who fled from Earth. He is anxious, introverted, and practically only cares about one person, his girlfriend Nasha. However, it is established that different versions of Mickey can have different personality traits.
This is proven to be true when Mickey 17 meets Mickey 18. Since they both know about what happens to duplicates, they are both concerned for their own lives. While Mickey 17 tries to come up with a more creative solution to their problem, Mickey 18 immediately tries to murder him. In contrast to Mickey 17, Mickey 18 is a much angrier and more aggressive version of the character. He constantly tries to antagonize Mickey 17 and the other characters in the movie.
While both versions of the character are fun to watch in the film, I believe Pattinson’s performance for Mickey 17 is better. Admittedly, Mickey 17 has an advantage, since he gets more screen time and is the narrator of the movie. Therefore, viewers definitely relate to Mickey 17 more throughout the film. However, when just considering Pattinson’s performance, he seems to be taking more risks with Mickey 17. Pattinson plays a more sinister, conniving character with Mickey 18, but the actor steals the show with the nervous and unsure of himself Mickey 17.
Mickey 17 vs Mickey 18: Which Character Has A Better Arc
Mickey 18 Sacrifices Himself At The End Of The Movie
Even though he seemingly never wanted to be the center of attention, Mickey 17 becomes one of the most important figures in the human colony on Niflheim throughout the movie. After realizing that the Creepers saved him and don’t want to go to war with humans, Mickey 17 disobeys orders from Colonel Marshall and tries to keep the peace between the two species. By the end of Mickey 17, he is successful, and is ultimately one of the main reasons the human colony ends up thriving and sharing the planet with the Creepers.
Mickey 18 proves that he is also a hero, and arguably has a better character arc than Mickey 17.
While Mickey 17 is the hero of the movie, Mickey 18 is an antagonistic figure at certain points. He is willing to do what needs to be done so that both himself and Mickey 17 can survive. Once he stops trying to murder Mickey 17, Mickey 18 is actually an important member of the resistance against Marshall. Even though he is selfish at some points in the film, Mickey 18 ultimately ends up sacrificing his own life to kill Marshall. Therefore, Mickey 18 proves that he is also a hero, and arguably has a better character arc than Mickey 17.
Mickey 17 vs Mickey 18: Which Character Is Funnier
Pattinson’s Performance For Mickey 17 Is Very Cartoonish
Mickey 18 may have a better overall arc in the sci-fi movie, but it is undeniable that Mickey 17 is a funnier character. Once again, it helps that Mickey 17 narrates the movie. Pattinson’s hilarious narration immediately sets the tone for Mickey 17. While Mickey 18 is an ultra-confident character, Mickey 17 is constantly confused and questioning what the right course of action is. Viewers mostly understand the dynamics of the space station and the planet Niflheim through Mickey 17’s perspective, and his humorous commentary on the dramatic events of the film is always entertaining.
Beyond his narration, while Mickey 18 is a much more serious character, Mickey 17 seems like he belongs in a Looney Tunes cartoon. It is admirable how weird Bong Joon-ho allowed Pattinson to be with his portrayal of Mickey 17. Throughout the movie, Pattinson consistently proves how great of a physical comedian he is. Additionally, his line deliveries as Mickey 17 are also always top-notch, which makes it clear that he is the funnier character in the film.
Mickey 17 Is Better Than Mickey 18 To Me
Mickey 17 Is The True Standout Of The Movie
Based on this examination, I believe that Mickey 17 is a better character than Mickey 18. Mickey 18 gets many chances to shine throughout the course of the movie. Right when he is introduced, his character’s choices are shocking, since it is evident he has a completely different mindset than Mickey 17. Mickey 18 attempting to kill both Mickey 17 and other characters in the film, such as Timo, proves that he is a very complex character. However, as the main character of the movie, Mickey 17 easily tops Mickey 18.
Mickey’s story is continued in Antimatter Blues, a sequel novel to the original book. However, a sequel to Mickey 17 has not been announced and is unlikely.
Throughout the movie, Mickey 17 gains the confidence he needs to work against Marshall. This is ultimately the right decision, as Marshall would never have been able to peacefully coexist with the Creepers. Therefore, Mickey 17 is the reason both species survive in the movie. By accomplishing this, he becomes the main character in his story, rather than a pawn in other people’s plans. This version of Mickey is not only the best character in Mickey 17, but also one of the best characters of Pattinson’s career.
