'Bugonia' Cinematographer Robbie Ryan Talks Filming Bees, Basements, and Emma Stone's Shaved Head

The story of Bugonia opens with the buzz of bees. Yorgos Lanthimos newest darkly comedic film draws its title from an ancient Greek myth in which bees emerge from a cows carcassa metaphor that reflects the films plot, centered on a pharmaceutical CEO, played by Emma Stone, who is held captive by a man convinced she is an extraterrestrial.

Irish cinematographer Robbie Ryan, nominated for an Oscar for his work on Lanthimos previous films The Favourite and Poor Things, emphasized the critical role of bees in shaping the movies atmosphere. The film portrays a universe alien to us, while we remain alien to the bees, Ryan said, describing the real beehive constructed on set in Henley-on-Thames, about an hour from London. The crew had to wear full bee suits, making us look like astronauts exploring another planet as we filmed the bees in their natural setting. Capturing these moments demands patience and attention.

Ryan, known for his ability to convey authentic worlds, has also worked with social-realist directors Ken Loach and Andrea Arnold on films such as I, Daniel Blake, American Honey, and Bird.

The film is a reinterpretation of the 2003 South Korean comedy Save the Green Planet! Ryan had not seen the original but plans to watch it during the holidays. Many scenes unfold in a dim basement, where Stones character is chained, her head shaved, and covered in antihistamine cream to prevent detection by her captor. Stone indeed shaved her head for the role, and Ryan chose to highlight this natural look without enhancement from lighting. Theres a famous quote by John Cassavetes: The greatest location in the world is the human face, he said. Emma Stones appearance alone is a striking visual. That bald head and her gaze create an unforgettable image.

Ryan explained that one key goal was to fully expose Stone in the basement. Lanthimos provided a progressive lighting plan for the space: a single fluorescent light at first, gradually adding more lights as the narrative moved deeper into the basement, allowing the environment to unfold with the story.

An unexpected visual effect added a striking color element. Filmed in 1.50:1 VistaVision, the basement staircase scene featured pink insulation walls that reflected as rich red tones under tungsten lighting. We embraced this unintended color, which aligned with the storys moment, Ryan noted.

Despite the dark subject matter, Lanthimos signature deadpan humor is evident, particularly in a scene where Stones character is awkwardly kidnapped from her driveway. Ryan filmed the sequence from a distance to enhance its comedic effect. Observing from afar makes the action funnier, he explained, praising Lanthimos editorial precision on set.

Ryans collaborations with Lanthimos and Stone, including Poor Things and Bugonia, have cultivated a distinctive cinematic style. He describes each project as a continual learning experience and values the way the films provoke conversation. This film challenges our awareness of the world and questions humanitys place, sparking dialoguewhich is the mark of a successful movie, he said.

Author: Benjamin Carter