Is Emma Stone director Yorgos Lanthimos's muse? Dakota Johnson playfully called Lanthimos out on his frequent collaborations with Stone, creating a buzz at a recent event. She jokingly wondered if he was even aware that other talented actresses existed! It's a bold statement that makes you wonder: is Lanthimos missing out on other potential creative partnerships?
The Hollywood Reporter covered the event where Johnson took on the unexpected role of moderator for a conversation about Lanthimos's new film, Bugonia. The film stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, and is directed by, you guessed it, Yorgos Lanthimos. Johnson, seemingly in jest, repeatedly told the audience she was unqualified for the moderator position, admitting, "This is not going to be a good interview... I don’t know why I was asked but here we are." This self-deprecating humor set the stage for a lighthearted and revealing discussion.
But here's where it gets controversial... During the Q&A, Johnson, while scrolling through questions, couldn't resist pointing out Lanthimos's recurring professional relationship with Stone. Bugonia marks their fourth collaboration, following The Favourite, Poor Things, and Kinds of Kindness. With a mischievous glint in her eye, Johnson quipped, "Are you aware that there are other actresses, that are really talented, maybe even very close by?" Stone playfully responded with mock surprise, "What! No, right?," before encouraging Johnson to "go for it, do your pitch." Johnson, not missing a beat, revealed she had already tried pitching herself to Lanthimos, but to no avail. "I already did and it didn’t work, remember? You were there," she confessed amidst laughter. Was this just a joke, or was there a hint of genuine interest behind Johnson's teasing? It does raise a point: are some actors simply better suited to a director's vision, or is there an element of favoritism at play in Hollywood?
Johnson also showered praise on Stone for her commitment to Bugonia, specifically mentioning Stone's shaved head for the role and the fact that she spends much of the film covered in either skin cream or blood. "Who on Earth looks so beautiful with a shaved head covered in blood?" she wondered aloud, prompting Stone to jokingly flirt back. This highlights the dedication actors often make to bring a director's vision to life.
Plemons chimed in with his own anecdote about his hair transformation for the film, involving extensions to portray his conspiracy theorist character. He shared that Lanthimos would often laugh at his initial attempts to embody the character's physicality with the extensions, leaving Plemons unsure if he was on the right track. These small details offer a glimpse into the collaborative process and the sometimes-awkward experimentation that goes into creating a character.
And this is the part most people miss... Stone touched on the film's complex twist ending, explaining that she considered how the audience's experience would change upon a second viewing. She questioned whether the ending would still make sense and offer new insights after the initial surprise was revealed. This reflects a deeper level of artistic consideration, suggesting that Bugonia is designed to be more than just a one-time watch.
Despite the playful atmosphere, Johnson concluded the event by jokingly expressing regret for moderating, claiming Stone had warned her against it. However, both Plemons and Lanthimos reassured her, with Lanthimos even playfully ranking her as the "third best moderator" of the night. Johnson's response? "That’s huge. I’ll come on the road." This exchange perfectly encapsulates the camaraderie and good-natured humor that characterized the entire evening.
Ultimately, the event was more than just a promotional appearance. It sparked a conversation about recurring actor-director collaborations, the dedication required for certain roles, and the intricacies of filmmaking. What do you think? Is there something to be said for a director finding a muse, or should they constantly seek out new talent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
