Jesse Plemons' Portrayal of Teddy in 'Bugonia' Was Shaped by Reddit Research
Screenwriter Will Tracy credits his experience browsing Reddit as a key factor in shaping the character of Teddy, played with conviction and intensity by Jesse Plemons, in Yorgos Lanthimos' remake of "Save the Green Planet!" While exploring online communities that might align with Teddy's eccentric worldview, Tracy aimed to craft a nuanced portrayal that went beyond stereotypes.
For Tracy, visiting websites that Teddy would likely bookmark served as an essential tool for understanding his character. He immersed himself in Reddit and YouTube comments, even dabbling in 4Chan, which was popular at the time of filming. However, he resisted the urge to create a composite of current internet trends or conspiracy theories du jour, instead opting to craft a singular individual with his own motivations.
Tracy's approach to character development drew inspiration from recent cultural shifts and media narratives surrounding extremism. He observed how societal debates often devolve into binary thinking, assigning blame to opposing factions without concrete evidence. By incorporating this dynamic, Tracy aimed to humanize Teddy, who is not merely an anti-fascist registered Republican gun-lover but rather a complex individual with his own distinct narrative.
Ultimately, the film's success relies on Plemons' captivating performance, which skillfully conveys the vulnerability and conviction that makes Teddy both unsettling and compelling. The interplay between Teddy's wild theories and the eventual revelation of Michelle's true identity raises questions about the nature of truth and reality in our online-dominated world.
Screenwriter Will Tracy credits his experience browsing Reddit as a key factor in shaping the character of Teddy, played with conviction and intensity by Jesse Plemons, in Yorgos Lanthimos' remake of "Save the Green Planet!" While exploring online communities that might align with Teddy's eccentric worldview, Tracy aimed to craft a nuanced portrayal that went beyond stereotypes.
For Tracy, visiting websites that Teddy would likely bookmark served as an essential tool for understanding his character. He immersed himself in Reddit and YouTube comments, even dabbling in 4Chan, which was popular at the time of filming. However, he resisted the urge to create a composite of current internet trends or conspiracy theories du jour, instead opting to craft a singular individual with his own motivations.
Tracy's approach to character development drew inspiration from recent cultural shifts and media narratives surrounding extremism. He observed how societal debates often devolve into binary thinking, assigning blame to opposing factions without concrete evidence. By incorporating this dynamic, Tracy aimed to humanize Teddy, who is not merely an anti-fascist registered Republican gun-lover but rather a complex individual with his own distinct narrative.
Ultimately, the film's success relies on Plemons' captivating performance, which skillfully conveys the vulnerability and conviction that makes Teddy both unsettling and compelling. The interplay between Teddy's wild theories and the eventual revelation of Michelle's true identity raises questions about the nature of truth and reality in our online-dominated world.