Bong’s Hollywood Debut and the Ambivalence of Big-Budget Filmmaking
“Mickey 17” marks a significant milestone in Bong’s career as his first feature film produced with a major Hollywood studio and his most expensive project to date, with a budget nearing $120 million. However, Bong remains ambivalent about the scale of the production. He has openly expressed his preference for smaller, more intimate projects, admitting that he dislikes the complexities and pressures that come with big-budget filmmaking. Despite this, the opportunity to work with Warner Bros. on “Mickey 17” presented a unique challenge for the director, allowing him to experiment with new resources while staying true to his distinctive style.
Auteurship and the Unpredictability of Bong’s Creative Vision
Bong’s films are known for their idiosyncratic nature, often defying the conventions of mainstream cinema. His English-language features, particularly those in the science fiction genre, are characterized by heightened performances and a tonal volatility that has become his signature. This “switchback energy,” as described by Tilda Swinton, who has collaborated with Bong on two films, is not the result of spontaneity but rather an extreme level of control. Bong meticulously crafts detailed storyboards for all his films, which serve as unyielding blueprints during production. This approach ensures that every frame adheres to his vision, creating a seamless yet unpredictable narrative experience.
The Discipline of Bong’s Storyboards and Cinematic Precision
Bong’s reliance on detailed storyboards is a testament to his meticulous planning and unwavering commitment to his artistic vision. According to cinematographer Darius Khondji, who worked on “Mickey 17” and “Okja,” Bong’s storyboards are akin to a musical score, with every frame carefully choreographed.Khondji, who has also collaborated with notable directors like David Fincher and Alejandro Iñarritu, noted that Bong operates on a unique wavelength, where every shot, angle, and gesture is meticulously planned. While this level of control might seem restrictive, it also provides a framework that allows actors and crew members to explore their creativity within predefined boundaries.
Actors’ Perspectives: Freedom Within Frameworks
Mark Ruffalo, who has worked with Bong, described this approach as a “productive constraint.” While every shot and gesture is storyboarded, Ruffalo emphasized that actors are still given the freedom to reinvent their performances within the structured framework. This dynamic creates an intriguing balance between precision and spontaneity. However, for some actors, adjusting to Bong’s method can be disorienting at first.Robert Pattinson shared that Bong’s process often involves shooting scenes out of order, focusing on specific lines or moments rather than filming entire scenes in sequence. This approach can initially feel chaotic, as actors must adapt to a rhythm that differs from conventional filmmaking.
TheAnime-Inspired Energy of Bong’s Films
Pattinson likened the energy of Bong’s films to anime, where emotions can shift abruptly, moving from calm to intense in a split second. This style is achieved through Bong’s precise control over every frame, allowing actors to deliver performances that are both heightened and unpredictable. Pattinson recalled that the initial disorientation of Bong’s approach gave way to a sense of freedom, as he realized the potential for experimenting with extreme intensity in individual lines or moments. This unique style not only sets Bong apart from other directors but also creates a distinct viewing experience for audiences.
Bong’s Playful Collaboration and the Future of His Auteurship
Despite his reputation for meticulous planning, Bong is known for his collaborative and playful approach on set. Pattinson described how Bong encouraged him to explore his character in creative ways, often giving him the freedom to try unconventional ideas. This dynamic highlights Bong’s ability to balance control with creativity, fostering an environment where actors feel empowered to take risks. As “Mickey 17” marks Bong’s official entry into the Hollywood mainstream, it will be intriguing to see how his unique sensibility evolves within the studio system. While Warner Bros. may have hoped for a franchise, Bong’s consistent defiance of multiplex logic suggests that “Mickey 17” will remain a singular, unforgettable work in his oeuvre.
