For his role as Teddy in Yorgos Lanthimos' Bugonia, Jesse Plemons brought a unique blend of vulnerability and intensity that has left fans questioning the character's true intentions. According to screenwriter Will Tracy, the key to Plemons' performance lay in understanding the nuances of conspiracy theory personalities like Teddy.
Tracy drew inspiration from online communities like Reddit, where he observed individuals with similar views and behaviors. He spent time browsing websites and reading comments that might have been on Teddy's bookmarked list, gaining insight into the character's world. However, Tracy emphasized that he didn't aim to create a composite of various internet trends or memes.
Instead, he focused on crafting a singular individual who had developed their own distinct perspective. According to Tracy, this approach allowed him to avoid reducing Teddy to simplistic labels like "incel" β a term often associated with online communities and conspiracy theories.
The complexity of Teddy's character is reflected in the film's exploration of modern societal reactions to perceived threats. The narrative delves into how quickly blame can be assigned and how information is distorted to fit preconceived notions. Tracy noted that this phenomenon is all too familiar, particularly when it comes to high-profile incidents involving domestic terrorism or mass shootings.
In Teddy's case, his wild theories ultimately prove to be correct, leaving audiences to wonder whether the character's instability or Michelle's true intentions are more concerning. The blurred lines between accuracy and paranoia add to the film's mystique, making Teddy a fascinating and unsettling figure.
Tracy's thoughtful approach to writing Teddy's character has resulted in a performance that is both captivating and thought-provoking. As the film's release continues to generate buzz, it will be interesting to see how Plemons' portrayal of Teddy resonates with audiences and sparks ongoing discussions about the complexities of modern conspiracy theories.
Tracy drew inspiration from online communities like Reddit, where he observed individuals with similar views and behaviors. He spent time browsing websites and reading comments that might have been on Teddy's bookmarked list, gaining insight into the character's world. However, Tracy emphasized that he didn't aim to create a composite of various internet trends or memes.
Instead, he focused on crafting a singular individual who had developed their own distinct perspective. According to Tracy, this approach allowed him to avoid reducing Teddy to simplistic labels like "incel" β a term often associated with online communities and conspiracy theories.
The complexity of Teddy's character is reflected in the film's exploration of modern societal reactions to perceived threats. The narrative delves into how quickly blame can be assigned and how information is distorted to fit preconceived notions. Tracy noted that this phenomenon is all too familiar, particularly when it comes to high-profile incidents involving domestic terrorism or mass shootings.
In Teddy's case, his wild theories ultimately prove to be correct, leaving audiences to wonder whether the character's instability or Michelle's true intentions are more concerning. The blurred lines between accuracy and paranoia add to the film's mystique, making Teddy a fascinating and unsettling figure.
Tracy's thoughtful approach to writing Teddy's character has resulted in a performance that is both captivating and thought-provoking. As the film's release continues to generate buzz, it will be interesting to see how Plemons' portrayal of Teddy resonates with audiences and sparks ongoing discussions about the complexities of modern conspiracy theories.