Following the recent release of Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17' on March 5, 2025, audiences are treated to not only thrilling science fiction but also a commentary on societal themes. Anamaria Vartolomei, who stars alongside Robert Pattinson, has captured attention for both her performance and her insights about the film and her career.
Vartolomei, known for her powerful role in 'L'Événement,' shares her unique experience leading up to her involvement with 'Mickey 17.' The project, she reveals, was one she didn't audition for. "I had impostor syndrome, I doubted my legitimacy on the project," she confessed during her interview with Madame Figaro. Her initial excitement was tempered by the fear of disappointing a director she describes as nothing short of genius.
Set against the backdrop of the futuristic and often bleak narrative of 'Mickey 17,' where betrayal and cloning form the core of the storyline, Vartolomei portrays Kai, a security agent, rising to meet the challenges alongside Pattinson’s character, Mickey Barnes. The premise revolves around Mickey, labeled as expendable, who annihilates repeatedly as he embarks on colonization missions on icy planets, only to be reprinted each time with his memories. This implies not only physical prowess but also the emotional weight carried across his many lives.
Bong Joon-ho, celebrated for his ability to weave deep social messages within his stories, has created another layer of complexity here. His film presents itself as both sci-fi and social satire, demonstrating the harrowing exploitation of workers portrayed through the life of clones. "The role required someone able to switch from pitiful to charismatic," Bong noted, explaining why Pattinson was his first choice for such nuanced characters.
Pattinson echoed this sentiment during the film's promotion, calling the script "completely crazy, delirious, and unexpected." His enthusiasm for the film was evident as he illustrated how working with Bong was much more than just another acting gig; it was the fulfillment of his artistic aspirations. After stepping from the heroic role of Batman, he found himself captivated by Bong's unique vision and storytelling.
When discussing her motivation and objectives, Vartolomei boldly stated, "I want my films and roles to be my political statement," asserting her belief on how art transcends mere entertainment. The actress sees her participation as part of larger societal dialogues rather than just fulfilling roles.
Despite her humble beginnings, having graced screens since the age of ten, Vartolomei is now one of the most sought-after actresses. She also reflected on her opportunities with high-caliber actors like Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette, which she describes as both awe-inspiring and illuminating. "It was pure joy every day, especially on the scene with Ruffalo and Pattinson. I told my mother, 'I think I've never seen people act so well in my life.'"
The collaborative atmosphere on set, along with the deep-rooted connections forged throughout production, presented Vartolomei with invaluable lessons about creativity and performance. While she acknowledges the pressures present within the industry, she feels gratitude for the career path she has found.
Looking forward, Vartolomei's upcoming projects include the biopic 'De Gaulle' and the series 'Merteuil,' signaling her unwavering ambition and the desire to explore diverse narratives across cinematic platforms. The stories she chooses to engage with reflect her artistic vision: to encompass multifaceted experiences within different cultures and contexts.
With Bong Joon-ho's prowess and Pattinson’s versatility, 'Mickey 17' serves up entertainment laced with poignant social critique, reinforcing the movie as not merely speculative fiction but also as reflective commentary. Through powerful performances and thought-provoking themes, Anamaria Vartolomei and her co-stars invite viewers to witness both the fantastical and the tragically real.