[Movie “Bugonia”] A unique film screening exclusively for bald attendees recently made headlines. According to various U.S. media outlets, a theater in Los Angeles, California hosted a screening on the 20th (local time) with an unusual twist: only bald individuals were allowed entry. Focus Features, the film’s distributor, took it a step further by requiring non-bald audience members to shave their heads before entering. This bold marketing move was for the recently released film “Bugonia,” which premiered on the 5th. The movie holds special significance for Korean film enthusiasts as it’s based on a Korean film.
[Movie “Bugonia”] “Bugonia” has been making waves at prestigious film festivals, including the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, the 52nd Telluride Film Festival, and the 30th Busan International Film Festival. At its Venice premiere, the audience gave a standing ovation that lasted an impressive seven minutes.
[Movie ‘Poor Things’] Only ‘shaved’ audience members allowed… A daring promotional stunt Prior to the screening, the theater lobby was transformed into a makeshift barbershop. Non-bald attendees took their seats as barbers swiftly shaved their heads. The newly bald audience members, sporting fresh buzz cuts and wide grins, then made their way into the screening room. “Bugonia” follows two young men convinced of an alien invasion theory. They mistakenly believe that Michelle, a powerful CEO, is an extraterrestrial bent on destroying Earth, leading them to kidnap her. This outlandish premise has piqued audience interest. Emma Stone stars as Michelle, the CEO of a major biotech firm who finds herself kidnapped by two conspiracy theorists, Teddy (Jesse Plemons) and Don (Aidan Gillen). Michelle endures bizarre ordeals, including forced head-shaving. Stone, who didn’t shy away from shaving her head for the role, also served as a producer on the film.
[Movie “Bugonia”] The fifth collaboration between director Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone “Bugonia” marks the fifth collaboration between director Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone, generating significant buzz. Their partnership began with 2018’s “The Favourite,” where Stone’s portrayal of a seemingly innocent character with hidden ambitions solidified her as the perfect actress for Lanthimos’s unique cinematic vision. Their continued collaborations have consistently delivered unpredictable and captivating stories. This fifth project is expected to showcase their creative synergy once again. Lanthimos praised Stone’s versatility, saying, “Emma navigates brilliantly between her true self and her characters. Her performances are incredibly nuanced and complex.” Stone reciprocated the sentiment, stating, “We have an excellent collaborative relationship. We create challenging work in a familial atmosphere that feels safe, enjoyable, and deeply connected.”
[Movie “Bugonia”] A remake of the 2003 Korean cult classic “Save the Earth!”… Generating significant interest “Bugonia” is particularly noteworthy as it’s an English-language remake of the 2003 Korean film “Save the Earth!” The original, starring Shin Ha-kyun, Baek Yoon-sik, and Hwang Jung-min, initially flopped at the box office but has since gained a devoted cult following, earning the moniker “cursed masterpiece.”
[Movie “Bugonia”] Ari Aster, the director behind “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” is a self-proclaimed fan of “Save the Earth!” He personally approached Yorgos Lanthimos to direct “Bugonia” and joined as a producer, creating a powerhouse collaboration of cinematic visionaries. CJ ENM, the company behind “Save the Earth!” is involved in the planning and production of “Bugonia.” This project, along with “Past Lives,” represents a new chapter for the Korean film industry as it reaches global audiences. CJ ENM has been instrumental in developing the English remake, from script to director and cast selection, and will continue to play a significant role in its domestic distribution.
