Mickey7 vs. Mickey 17

The age-old debate of whether books are better than their film adaptations has found a new testing ground with Edward Ashton's "Mickey 7" and its cinematic counterpart, "Mickey 17," directed by acclaimed filmmaker Bong Joon-ho. This science fiction tale presents a fascinating case where many argue the film actually improves upon its literary source material.

At its core, both versions follow the story of Mickey Barnes, an "expendable" - a person whose job is to risk death repeatedly for the good of colonists on the ice planet Niflheim. When Mickey dies, a new version of him is created with his previous memories. The central conflict begins when one version of Mickey (Seven in the book, Seventeen in the film) survives what should have been a fatal mission, leading to the existence of two Mickeys simultaneously - something strictly forbidden in their world.

The film adaptation makes several significant changes that arguably enhance the narrative. The most obvious is in the title itself - from Mickey 7 to Mickey 17 - reflecting director Bong Joon-ho's decision to kill the protagonist ten additional times, creating more opportunities for character development and dramatic tension. Robert Pattinson's performance adds layers to the character as he portrays different versions of Mickey with subtle yet distinct personality differences, a nuance not present in the book where the two Mickeys are virtually indistinguishable from each other.

The native species of Niflheim, called "creepers," undergo a substantial transformation from page to screen. In Ashton's novel, they're somewhat ambiguous creatures who kill colonists before eventually reaching a tentative peace agreement. Bong Joon-ho reimagines them as largely peaceful beings who only resort to violence in self-defense. This shift creates a more nuanced exploration of colonialism and communication between different species, themes that Bong has explored masterfully in previous works like "Okja."

The supporting characters also receive more depth in the film adaptation. Marshall, the colony's leader, transforms from a one-dimensional authoritarian figure in the book to a more complex character played with gleeful abandon by Mark Ruffalo. The addition of Toni Collette as Marshall's manipulative wife Yifa creates another layer of political intrigue absent from the source material. Steven Yeun's portrayal of Timo (renamed from Berto in the book) continues the actor's talent for creating charismatic yet morally ambiguous characters.

What makes "Mickey 17" particularly successful as an adaptation is Bong Joon-ho's ability to maintain the philosophical core of the novel while streamlining its exposition. The book occasionally gets bogged down in technical explanations and flashbacks that interrupt narrative momentum. The film preserves the central questions about identity, sacrifice, and colonialism while presenting them in a more cinematically engaging package.

The critical and audience reception reflects this dynamic, with the film receiving strong reviews while the book, though well-regarded, hasn't achieved the same level of acclaim. This case study demonstrates that adaptation isn't simply about faithfulness to source material but about translating a story's essence to best suit a different medium. In this instance, Bong Joon-ho's visual storytelling, combined with outstanding performances from the cast, elevates "Mickey 17" beyond its literary origins, offering a rare example where the film might actually be better than the book.