Yorgos Lanthimos views the upcoming Emma Stone film, 'Bugonia,' not as a dystopian portrayal, but as a reflection of reality.
In a bold and thought-provoking move, Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos has premiered his latest film, "Bugonia," at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. The film, which is in competition for the Golden Lion, is a remake of the 2003 Korean film "Save the Green Planet!" and blends elements of science fiction, horror, and comedy.
The film centers around a disturbed man, played by Jesse Plemons, who kidnaps a pharmaceutical company head, portrayed by Emma Stone, whom he believes to be an alien. Lanthimos found the script extremely impactful and relevant, reflecting his concerns about the state of the world.
Emma Stone, who shaved her head for the role, described the process as "the easiest thing in the world." This is Stone's fourth time working with Lanthimos, and Plemons' second, following their collaboration in the film "Kinds of Kindness."
The themes in "Bugonia" are not limited to science fiction, horror, and comedy but also touch upon global concerns such as the consequences of technological advancements, AI, global conflicts, and climate change. Lanthimos believes that these themes have become more relevant over the course of the film's development.
Lanthimos' statements suggest a sense of urgency regarding the potential consequences of these global issues. He hopes that "Bugonia" will encourage people to think about current world events and serve as a call to action for people to consider the impact of these issues on our lives.
The adaptation has been in development for several years, with Ari Aster involved before Lanthimos came on board to direct. Lanthimos' last film at Venice was in 2023.
"Bugonia" is expected to spark discussions about current global issues, and Lanthimos' film serves as a reflection of the realities we face today. The film is set to be a thought-provoking piece that will leave audiences questioning and reflecting on the state of the world.