115th Discussion: "Mickey 17" a film by Bong Joon-ho

[Notice]

• RSVP opens two weeks before event (March 29) at 11:00am
• Due to changes in the Meetup subscription structure, future discussions will require an admission fee of 2000 KRW.
• For now you can pay the fee in cash, or through Kakao Talk/Bank Transfer when you attend.

Topic: "Mickey 17" a film by Bong Joon-ho.
This science fiction/comedy satire film explores a number of different themes, like cloning, the ethical and practical challenges associated with cloning, exploring new worlds, and the presence of intelligent life on new worlds. Our discussion will focus on these themes. If you have the chance to see the movie, it is preferred, but not required. You can refer to the articles as references for our discussion.

Articles/Videos (for reference - not directly used for questions)

• Mickey 17 | Official Trailer
• Mickey 17 review – two Robert Pattinsons for the price of one in Bong Joon-ho’s acidly funny sci-fi satire | Movies | The Guardian
• 'Mickey 17 'drawing lukewarm response despite topping box office - The Korea Times
• SFE: Clones
• Ethical Controversy - Cloning
• Is there life on other planets? - NASA Science.
• Why We Search - NASA Science

Questions

1. Do you enjoy or have you watched any science fiction (sci-fi) movies? If so, what are some sci-fi movies you have seen or enjoyed? What elements of these movies do you find most interesting (action, technology, or visions of the future)
2. Have you seen the movie “Mickey 17?” If so, what made you interested to see it? Did this movie meet your expectations, exceed expectations or was below your expectations?
3. A question repeatedly asked to Mickey is “What is it like to die?” If you had a chance to ask this question to someone like Mickey (who dies, but is reborn as a clone) would you? How do you think the person would answer?
4. Under what circumstances might it be acceptable to clone human beings? Should this be allowed at all, or completely banned?
5. Mickey seems to serve a valuable purpose in that he provides valuable human data on radiation exposure in space, alien viruses, and developing vaccines (among other things). Do you think it is necessary to subject humans to these “experiments,” why or why not?
6. Why would a single, “expendable” cloned human be better for these “experiments” versus unique, individual people who give their consent?
7. As we continue to explore the galaxy and the universe, it is likely we will eventually discover a planet that is suitable for human life sometime in the future? Do you think this discovery will happen in our lifetime, why or why not?
8. Should we make such a discovery (a planet that could support human life), do you think the nations of the world would try to develop technology to travel to and colonize this world? Why or why not?
9. If there happens to be intelligent life on this planet, which is the case in “Mickey 17,” do you think it is more likely to be hostile or peaceful? Both? Why do you think so?
10. In the movie, the reason that “multiple” versions of the same person aren’t allowed is because one of the creators of the cloning technology used it to commit crimes. Do you think this is a reasonable policy, why or why not?
11. If a clone (or copy) of yourself existed, do you think this clone would develop a similar personality to you or a different personality to you? (ex: like an ‘evil’ version of yourself)
12. In the past, people would leave their home country to explore the “new world” for a number of reasons like: a.) seeking fame/fortune, b.) religious freedom, c.) to start a new life, or d.) to be the first generation of a country/community. If you were to explore the “new world” which of those reasons would most likely apply to you?
13. In the movie, the Marshall character uses the word “religion” and “company” interchangeably. Why do you think he does this? Are religions “companies?” or Are companies “religions?”
14. If such a technology existed, would you use a translator to talk to animals, aliens, or other beings who don’t speak human language? What are 1-2 questions you’d want to ask?
15. If it was possible to “download” and “upload” all your life’s memories into a computer hard drive, would you do this and “backup” your brain’s memory of your life? What 1-2 memories would you want to (or not want to) replay?