Before delving into his latest film, Bugonia, Jesse Plemons and I take a moment to discuss the nuances of the Antipodes. Upon recognizing my accent, he attempts to discern which side of the Tasman Sea I hail from. Once settled, I inquire about his last visit to New Zealand, where he filmed Jane Campion’s 2021 movie, The Power of the Dog.
“I have no concept of how long, really. Five years, four years, a long time ago,” Plemons says with a Texan drawl that unmistakably reveals his roots. At 37, Plemons has been in the entertainment industry for approximately 35 years. His career, marked by diverse roles, includes an Oscar-nominated performance in The Power of the Dog, where he portrayed the subdued brother to Benedict Cumberbatch’s stern farmer. His filmography boasts roles such as a Teamsters heavy in Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman and a white supremacist in Breaking Bad.
From Child Actor to Acclaimed Performer
Jesse Plemons’ journey in acting began serendipitously. His father was a firefighter, and his mother worked in special needs education. At just two years old, he landed a Coca-Cola commercial role during an open call in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. “It was kind of a fluke,” he recalls, modestly acknowledging the chance event that opened doors for him.
As a child, Plemons was captivated by westerns, many of which were filmed near his hometown. His parents allowed him to act as long as he maintained his grades. This balance led to a solid career trajectory, with Plemons earning an Emmy nomination for his role in Fargo and another for Black Mirror. His career reached new heights with The Power of the Dog‘s success, and he won the best actor prize at Cannes for Kinds of Kindness.
Exploring the World of ‘Bugonia’
In Bugonia, Plemons takes on one of his most eccentric roles yet as Teddy, a solitary beekeeper engrossed in internet conspiracy theories. The film, a sci-fi revenge fantasy, sees Teddy leading a cult of two, alongside his autistic cousin Dan, portrayed by Aidan Delbis. Together, they plot to kidnap Michelle, a pharmaceutical executive played by Emma Stone, whom Teddy believes to be an alien.
The film is an adaptation of Korean filmmaker Jang Joon-hwan’s 2003 sci-fi Save the Green Planet!, updated with modern conspiracy rhetoric. Scriptwriter Will Tracy, known for his work on Succession, injects the narrative with a critique of the wealthy and powerful. “Once you start looking, it just keeps feeding it to you,” Plemons says of his research into conspiracy theories. “There’s no shortage of any type of conspiracy you want to research.”
Personal Insights and Professional Growth
Plemons’ preparation for the role included reading Naomi Klein’s memoir Doppelganger, which explores how individuals can be swayed by seemingly absurd beliefs. He also drew insights from conversations with a friend who is an alien enthusiast. “You talk to people about their interests and they can just talk all day,” Plemons notes, comparing it to his newfound passion for photography.
Despite his varied roles, Plemons maintains a private family life with his wife, Kirsten Dunst, and their two sons. The couple, who met on the set of Fargo, often take turns working to balance family responsibilities. “We both really respect each other’s opinions,” Plemons says, highlighting their collaborative approach to selecting scripts and discussing ideas.
The Challenges and Rewards of Acting
Reflecting on his role in Bugonia, Plemons describes it as both the hardest and most rewarding job he’s undertaken. “It’s really difficult and challenging, but also like you’re on a wild rollercoaster,” he says of working in the Lanthimos universe. He appreciates roles that allow him to explore the human experience, even when portraying characters vastly different from himself.
Plemons finds a certain innocence in Teddy’s misguided actions, likening them to a child’s desire to be a hero. “I really think that, at the heart of it, he really wants to be a hero, right the wrongs of the past, help his cousin and save his mom,” he explains. This complexity adds depth to Plemons’ portrayal, making Bugonia a compelling exploration of human nature and belief.
Bugonia opens in cinemas on October 30, promising audiences a wild ride through conspiracy, identity, and the quest for truth.
