Yorgos Lanthimos Delivers Unique Soundtrack for ‘Bugonia’

The highly anticipated film Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is now available for digital rental and purchase. Starring Emma Stone as a CEO who faces a bizarre kidnapping by two men, played by Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis, the movie offers an imaginative narrative filled with twists and turns that only Lanthimos can deliver.

With its release, viewers can now experience the film’s remarkable score, composed by Jerskin Fendrix, who has collaborated with Lanthimos on previous projects, including Kinds of Kindness and Poor Things. The soundtrack is described as a dynamic blend of styles, ranging from a sci-fi space opera to a tense 1970s paranoia thriller. This eclectic soundscape complements the film’s unique atmosphere, which is largely set in a single location.

Innovative Collaboration between Director and Composer

Fendrix’s approach to the score is grounded in the unconventional direction given by Lanthimos. The composer was not allowed to read the script for Bugonia; instead, he was provided with three keywords: “bees,” “basement,” and “spaceship.” This unusual method of collaboration helps explain the varied elements present in the score, which captures the film’s quirky essence.

In a recent conversation, Lanthimos elaborated on his working relationship with Fendrix: “I wanted the music to mostly juxtapose the claustrophobic feel that the movie had and the contained space aspect of it.” He emphasized the importance of spontaneity in the creative process, stating, “I’ll give you three keywords to work on, and then you’ll compose music, and I’ll instinctually guide you.”

The director encouraged Fendrix to “write big,” suggesting an orchestral sound that would elevate the film’s intensity. “I wanted the music to be at times so bombastic it’s out of this world,” Lanthimos explained, noting that this approach has proven successful in their past collaborations.

A New Approach to Scoring Films

Lanthimos has adapted his methods over time, choosing to limit Fendrix’s access to the script for this film. Previously, the composer had read the script, but the director felt that this new approach resulted in an even more innovative score. “He himself says that he wouldn’t have composed this music if he had read the script beforehand,” Lanthimos stated. This method allowed Fendrix to explore new creative avenues, producing a soundtrack that is both unexpected and fitting for the film.

The score was created before the editing process began, providing Lanthimos with a “library of music” to use during editing. After the initial cut, Fendrix would refine the compositions to better suit the film’s scenes. This collaborative effort showcases the dynamic relationship between the director and composer, resulting in a soundtrack that significantly enhances the viewing experience.

Bugonia is now available for digital rental or purchase, making it accessible to audiences eager to explore this unique cinematic offering. With its engaging story and innovative soundtrack, it stands out as one of the best films of the year.