Ever wonder how actors get into the minds of those really out-there characters? Sometimes, it’s not just about reading lines; it’s about diving headfirst into their world. That’s exactly what happened with Jesse Plemons and his role as Teddy in Yorgos Lanthimos’ upcoming film, Bugonia.
As an SEO Content Strategist and Storyteller, I’ve seen firsthand how deep research translates into compelling narratives. And in this case, it’s fascinating to see how real-world internet culture influenced a fictional character.
1. What is Bugonia About?
Bugonia, a remake of the South Korean film Save the Green Planet!, centers around a conspiracy theorist who believes a powerful executive is an alien plotting Earth’s destruction. While the core concept remains, the updated version explores how conspiracy theories manifest in America circa 2025. Think of it as a modern-day X-Files, but with a heavy dose of dark humor.
2. How Reddit Helped Shape Jesse Plemons’ Character
According to a recent interview with Deadline, screenwriter Will Tracy delved into the online world to understand Teddy’s mindset. Tracy spent time on Reddit, YouTube comment sections, and even 4Chan to get a feel for the online spaces Teddy might frequent. “I kind of find myself dipping into those quarters anyway, as an observer,” Tracy said, highlighting his genuine interest in understanding these communities.
3. Avoiding Stereotypes: Creating a Unique Conspiracy Theorist
Tracy was careful not to create a caricature. He didn’t want Teddy to be a simple composite of internet stereotypes. Instead, he aimed for a character with his own unique worldview. For example, while some might label Teddy an “incel,” Tracy points out that Teddy is “voluntarily celibate,” adding a layer of intentionality to his character.
4. The Danger of Quick Judgments in the Age of Conspiracy
Tracy also touched on the tendency to immediately assign blame after acts of violence or terrorism. He observed how people quickly label perpetrators as belonging to one extreme or another, only to find out later that their beliefs are far more complex and defy easy categorization. “They’re an anti-fascist registered Republican gun-lover who identifies as non-binary,” Tracy said, encapsulating this idea of individuals who don’t fit neatly into any pre-defined box.
5. How Does Teddy’s Accuracy Enhance the Movie’s Mystery?
Here’s the twist: Teddy’s wild theories might not be so wild after all. Emma Stone’s character, Michelle, is eventually revealed to be an alien. This uncertainty – is Teddy unstable, or is Michelle a real threat? – is central to the movie’s appeal. The fact that Teddy feels so believable, thanks to Tracy’s research, only deepens the mystery.
Is Teddy in Bugonia actually right about his conspiracy theories?
Yes, at least partially. Emma Stone’s character is ultimately revealed to be an alien, which validates some of Teddy’s suspicions, adding a layer of intrigue to his character and the overall plot.
How does Bugonia differ from Save the Green Planet!?
While both films share the same basic premise, Bugonia is tailored to an American context, exploring how conspiracy theories and the character of a conspiracy theorist manifest in a contemporary US setting.
What specific online communities did the screenwriter research for Bugonia?
Will Tracy, the screenwriter, mentioned specifically spending time on Reddit, YouTube comment sections, and 4Chan to understand the mindset and online habits of someone like Teddy.
Why did the screenwriter choose not to make Teddy a stereotypical “incel”?
Tracy wanted to avoid creating a caricature and instead aimed for a more nuanced character. He emphasized that Teddy’s celibacy is voluntary, distinguishing him from the typical “incel” stereotype.
What message is Bugonia trying to send about the current state of online discourse?
The film touches on the tendency to quickly assign blame and categorize individuals based on limited information, particularly in the wake of violent events, and how people’s beliefs often defy easy categorization.
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It’s pretty amazing how online communities can influence storytelling. By immersing himself in these digital spaces, Will Tracy crafted a character that feels both familiar and unsettlingly real. What other films have you seen that successfully capture the essence of internet culture, and what did you think of them?