Yorgos Lanthimos, the acclaimed Greek director, has made a name for himself with his unconventional cinematic style. After gaining international recognition for his film *Dogtooth* in 2009, he transitioned into English-language films, captivating audiences with distinctive works like *The Lobster* and *The Favourite*. Recently, he has collaborated with actor Jesse Plemons on a new project titled *Bugonia*.
Bugonia: A Sci-Fi Satire
*Bugonia* is a sci-fi satire where Jesse Plemons plays Teddy, a conspiracy theorist convinced of an imminent alien takeover. This film serves as a creative reunion for Lanthimos and Plemons, who previously worked together on *Kinds of Kindness*, a triptych that earned Plemons the Best Actor award at Cannes.
Collaboration History
- Initial Meeting: Lanthimos and Plemons first connected via Zoom, discussing *Kinds of Kindness*.
- Prior Scripts: Before their collaboration, Plemons expressed interest in roles that almost materialized, showing a mutual eagerness to work together.
- Script Excitement: Plemons described reading the script for *Kinds of Kindness* as an exhilarating experience, filled with dark humor and unexpected twists.
Creating Bugonia
The idea for *Bugonia* came about just months after wrapping up *Kinds of Kindness*. Lanthimos sent the script to Plemons shortly after reading it himself while editing the previous film.
“The first I heard of it was maybe between four to six months after we wrapped,” Plemons recalled. The prep work for *Bugonia* even overlapped with the promotions for *Kinds of Kindness*, showcasing Lanthimos’s efficient workflow.
The Unique Acting Experience
Plemons described *Bugonia* as potentially less challenging than *Kinds of Kindness*, though each project presents its unique discoveries. The script for *Bugonia*, while grounded in satire, features a traditional structure, allowing for a different approach to character development.
When adapting the script, Lanthimos emphasized the film’s contemporary relevance, attempting to strike a balance between comedy and dark themes. He noted, “This one has more recognizable political references.”
Character Development and Research
For his role as Teddy, Plemons drew inspiration from a close friend with a passion for alien theories. His research included documentaries and discussions that enriched his interpretation of the character.
Audience Reactions
Though Lanthimos prefers not to watch his films with an audience, Plemons shared that watching reactions can be revealing. He noted that the film generates varied responses, with viewers interpreting its ending differently based on their perspectives.
Future Plans
- Lanthimos’s Next Steps: After promoting *Bugonia*, he plans to take a much-needed break from filmmaking.
- Plemons’s Projects: Currently, Plemons is finishing work on the prequel to *The Hunger Games* and looks forward to spending time with family during the holidays.
The collaboration between Yorgos Lanthimos and Jesse Plemons for *Bugonia* exemplifies their creative synergy. As both work toward future projects, fans are eager to see where their artistic journeys lead next.
