Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bold New Venture: Exploring the Depths of "Bugonia"
When acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos first encountered the script for "Bugonia," he immediately recognized he was embarking on two unprecedented journeys in his illustrious career. For the first time, he would direct a film he hadn’t been intricately involved in developing, and he was diving into a narrative that resonates powerfully with today’s global landscape—far removed from the abstract themes of his previous works. “I’ve read many scripts over the years, but this one instantly captivated me. I thought, ‘This is nearly perfect for me to bring to life as it is,’” Lanthimos reflects. “Receiving such a remarkable piece of writing was truly a gift.”
Almost immediately after completing the script, Lanthimos reached out to Emma Stone, his muse and star from his last three films. “I read it the same day and felt compelled to say, ‘Let’s make this happen,’” Stone recalls. “It was surreal because, unlike our previous projects that took years to develop, we had a script here that required no lengthy process. We were ready to go right away.”
A Unique Cinematic Vision: Bugonia
"Bugonia" is a loose remake of the 2003 South Korean black comedy horror film "Save the Green Planet!" This innovative narrative follows a young man who kidnaps a corporate CEO, convinced she is an alien intent on destroying Earth. Originally directed by Jang Joon-hwan—a classmate of Bong Joon-ho—this film was initially overlooked, with Jang’s promising career stalling for over a decade. “Cinephiles in Korea now call it ‘the cursed masterpiece,’” shares Jerry Ko, head of global film at CJ ENM, which produced the original. Recognizing the rising interest in unconventional filmmaking in the U.S. market, Ko saw an opportunity to lift this ‘curse’ with a remake.
In late 2018, while searching for a U.S. producing partner, the CJ ENM team discovered a retrospective screening of "Save the Green Planet!" at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, curated by the devoted fan Ari Aster. The collaboration quickly turned into a partnership with Aster and producer Lars Knudsen, who brought in Will Tracy, a writer from the critically acclaimed series "Succession," to craft the English-language screenplay. Although it originated from a different cultural context, Tracy found that "Bugonia" aligned closely with Lanthimos’s unique storytelling style. He crafted the screenplay during the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown, drawing inspiration from the uncertainty and paranoia of that time, which enriched the narrative.
An Engaging Performance and Thought-Provoking Themes
In "Bugonia," Jesse Plemons portrays Teddy, a troubled beekeeper and conspiracy theorist who believes aliens are slowly poisoning Earth. Alongside his cousin Don, played by Aidan Delbis, he kidnaps Michelle Fuller (played by Stone), convinced she is an alien leader. The film unfolds primarily in the basement of Teddy and Don’s home, creating a tense environment where captor and captive engage in a gripping battle of wits that intertwines themes of conspiracy and cosmic truths.
Plemons describes the film as a “magic trick,” where conflicting beliefs are presented without a preachy tone, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions. Most of the production took place in the U.K., with a few scenes shot in Georgia. The production design team meticulously crafted a realistic American-style basement, enriching the film’s atmosphere and reflecting Teddy’s chaotic mind.
Stone recalls her initial apprehension about a scene where her head would be shaved, realizing the emotional weight of the moment just before filming. “It was an incredible representation of Teddy’s psyche and the turmoil within him,” Plemons says. The attention to detail in the set design was so profound that Price, the production designer, felt a sense of loss when it was time to dismantle the set.
To enhance the film’s visual appeal, Lanthimos and his director of photography, Robbie Ryan, opted to shoot primarily in the VistaVision format. The decision was fueled by advances in sound design that allowed for clearer audio without the noise typically associated with these cameras. “Once we confirmed it was feasible, Yorgos decided to fully commit to shooting on VistaVision,” Ryan explains, emphasizing the richness it brought to the film’s imagery.
A Film for Our Times
As "Bugonia" approaches its release, conversations surrounding its unexpected twists and profound themes are sure to resonate with audiences. “In the four years since I first read the script, its relevance has only deepened as we navigate the complexities of our current reality,” Lanthimos observes.
Stone expresses her emotional connection to the film’s conclusion, which can evoke a sense of hope or despair, depending on one’s perspective. “The ending leaves a strong impression that invites diverse interpretations,” she adds. Plemons echoes this sentiment, highlighting the engaging discussions that arose among friends after a private screening, hoping the film sparks similar dialogues for all viewers.
With approximately 90% of "Bugonia" shot on VistaVision and the remaining scenes captured on a backup 35mm camera, Lanthimos has crafted another compelling addition to his filmography—one that promises to challenge perceptions and ignite conversations long after the credits roll.
Stay Tuned for "Bugonia"
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