Are you a bald (or willing-to-go-bald) Houstonian who wants to see the new Yorgos Lanthimos film, Bugonia, starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, early? Well, you’re in luck: there’s a special “bald only” screening of Bugonia being hosted at the River Oaks Theatre, where film enthusiasts without hair and those willing to shave their head on site will get to enjoy the film in what will be an unforgettable event.
Focus Features is holding Houston’s own “bald only” screening on Wednesday, October 29, at the River Oaks Theatre. There will even be a professional barber from Houston’s Ortahaus Barbers on the premises from 6–7 PM for guests with both the determination and the confidence to shave their head just to see the highly anticipated movie.
Film buffs, or folks who just want to represent for the bald community in an unprecedented way, can RSVP for the event here. Confirmations for those chosen will be sent before the event.
So why a screening only for the bald among us? Well, the highly anticipated film follows conspiracy theorist and beekeeper Teddy (Texas’ very own Plemons) and his cousin (Aidan Delbis), who kidnap a powerful CEO named Michelle Fuller (played by Stone) after they become convinced shes an alien planning to destroy the earth.
A major plot point of the film, present in all the marketing materials and trailers, is that at some point, Stone’s character shaves her head (something the Oscar-winning actress actually did instead of opting for a bald cap). Last week, the first bald-only screening of the film took place and went viral; now, more screenings are being held before its wide release in theaters on Oct. 31.
Artistic Director of River Oaks Theatre (and a big fan of Lanthimos’ directorial work) Robert Saucedo told Chron that he jumped at the chance to host the screening at the iconic Houston theater.
“Emma Stone did not shave off all her own hair during the production of the film for us to sit and watch the movie with our heads piled high with hair,” Saucedo told Chron. “We owe it to Mrs. Stone to shave off our own heads and watch the wild new collaboration between the actress and Lanthimos with our bald heads a-gleaming.”
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter at the movie’s New York City premiere, Stone discussed her feelings on the outside-the-box promotional strategy and screening challenge.
“I just assume that it’s people who already wanted to shave their heads and were like, ‘OK, I could just do that at home or I could just see a movie right after,’ you know what I mean?” she said. “It’s a good time. It’s just a good time if you’re already wanting to shave your head.”
Comedian, actor, and Austin comedy scene detractor Stavos Halkias, who is part of the cast alongside Stone and Plemons, offered his unique perspective. He shared that the screening is an opportunity for individuals going bald or just wanting to shave their head to get the push they need to take that leap.
“Sometimes you need a little push,” Halkias said at the premiere. “But listen, sometimes when you’re losing it, buzz it off … Someone can play it off as, ‘Oh, I didn’t even realize I look like that.’ They can just kind of soft launch going bald like, ‘I did it as a goof, but I really like it.'”
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This article originally published at Upcoming Houston film event has unique attendance requirement: zero hair.