Yorgos Lanthimos' 'Bugonia' Premieres at Venice Film Festival

Venice, Aug 29 (AP) In the latest film by Yorgos Lanthimos, titled “Bugonia,” a man consumed by conspiracy theories kidnaps the CEO of a pharmaceutical firm, subjecting her to torture in hopes of saving mankind. Jesse Plemons takes on the role of the kidnapper, convinced his captive, played by Emma Stone, is an extraterrestrial being. While the plot may appear exaggerated, Lanthimos argues that the film's premise isn't all that far from reality.

“Much of the dystopian imagery in this film mirrors the real world,” Yorgos Lanthimos remarked Thursday at the Venice Film Festival. “Bugonia” made its global debut at the esteemed festival, where it's vying for the top honor, the Golden Lion. Focus Features is set to release the film in North American theaters on October 24.

The movie is a reimagining of the 2003 Korean film “Save the Green Planet!” and cleverly melds elements of sci-fi, horror, and comedy. Plemons' character is engrossed with the notion that Stone is part of an alien race intending to devastate Earth.

Scripted by Will Tracy, the adaptation has been years in the making, with Ari Aster initially attached before Lanthimos took the directorial helm.

“I have never been handed a script that was so ripe for production,” Lanthimos said. “It was not only amusing and engaging but also profoundly impactful and thought-provoking. My interest was immediate. Three years ago, it felt pertinent, and now, it feels even more so.”

This marks Stone's fourth collaboration with Lanthimos and Plemons' second. The duo recently appeared in “Kinds of Kindness.” Lanthimos last graced the Venice Film Festival in 2023 with “Poor Things,” which achieved the Golden Lion and later secured numerous Oscars, including best actress for Stone.

“I admire his choice of material and the worlds he chooses to explore,” Stone shared. She noted that while it sounds like a cliché, having a familiar cast and crew feels akin to family, creating a “comforting and safe space to explore.” Part of her role necessitated shaving her head, which she described as the “easiest task imaginable.” Stone expressed appreciation for the script's funny, edgy, and vibrant nature, observing how it mirrors society.

Lanthimos noted that as the script and film evolved, its themes only grew more pertinent.

“Humanity is on the brink of a critical juncture,” Lanthimos stated. “We must choose wisely, given the current global issues with technology, AI, warfare, and climate change.” He hopes the film “sparks reflection on today's global circumstances.” (AP) RB RB

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