Bugonia Production Designer Reveals Set Secrets and Hidden Clues

The production of the film “Bugonia,” featuring Emma Stone as Michelle Fuller, unfolds in a captivating blend of storytelling and set design. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the film speaks to themes of conspiracy and alien existence, wrapped within a well-crafted cinematic world.

Introduction of Characters and Setting

Michelle Fuller, the CEO of a pharmaceutical company, finds herself in a precarious situation after being kidnapped by Teddy, played by Jesse Plemons, and his cousin Don, portrayed by Aidan Delbis. Teddy believes Michelle is an alien intent on Earth’s destruction. They imprison her in an old, dilapidated house that contrasts sharply with Michelle’s sleek corporate environment.

Designing Contrasting Spaces

James Price, the production designer, emphasizes the necessity of creating contrasting settings—Michelle’s modern, polished home versus the grim and decaying atmosphere of Teddy and Don’s residence. Price meticulously designed the setting to convey the characters’ emotional landscapes.

Building the Isolated House

• Price constructed the house from scratch, ensuring it felt immersive and alive.
• Designed with a basement to serve as Michelle’s prison, it adds depth and realism to the narrative.
• The house’s background involves a wealthy history that has deteriorated over time.

Reflecting on his design process, Price noted, “I wanted to create a living, breathing set.” The house serves as a character in its own right, representing Teddy’s troubled past and his obsession with conspiracies.

Incorporating Hidden Clues

Price ingeniously integrated clues into the set design that foreshadow key plot points. Teddy, a conspiracy theorist, collects bizarre research— including grotesque elements like dismembered body parts— hidden within the house and basement. This thoughtful design adds layers to the narrative, culminating in the revelation of Michelle’s true identity.

Symbolism in Design Choices

Price drew inspiration from various sources, including personal experiences and documentary photographs. His intention was to evoke a sense of nostalgia and neglect, paralleling Teddy’s life story.

Creating a Alien Atmosphere

• Michelle’s office is styled to resemble a spaceship, amplifying the sense of her true nature.
• Price leveraged the aesthetic of Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” to enhance the futuristic elements.

The contrast between her modern office and Teddy’s archaic home accentuates the film’s tension and secrets. The production designer’s choices subtly challenge the viewers to decipher the illusion of normalcy surrounding Michelle.

The Revelation of the Spaceship

As the plot unfolds, Michelle’s true identity as an alien emerges. Price faced the creative challenge of designing a unique spaceship that suited the film’s surreal world. His vision steered away from conventional representations of spacecraft, leaning towards organic forms intertwined with human anatomy.

Visual Imagery and Conceptual Inspiration

• The spaceship includes a womb-shaped pool symbolizing birth and rebirth, connecting to themes of humanity’s origins.
• Design elements incorporate skeletal shapes influenced by bodily organs.

Ultimately, Price’s design approach fuses imaginative aesthetics with storytelling, ensuring that every detail serves a narrative purpose. The film “Bugonia” not only captivates with its plot but also with its profound visual storytelling, revealing secrets and hidden clues through its beautifully crafted sets.