THE SUBSTANCE — Coralie Fargeat rips beauty standards to gory shreds
Sep 19, 2024
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Coralie Fargeat, a Cannes-winning director, and Demi Moore, a celebrated actress, delve into the chilling themes of beauty and youth in cinema. Fargeat discusses casting Moore in her body-horror film, where a quest for youth through a mysterious drug turns grotesque. They explore the intersection of humor and violence, and how societal beauty standards drive women to extremes. The conversation reveals insights on self-acceptance and the haunting pressures of aging in a youth-obsessed world, offering a provocative critique of contemporary Hollywood.
Coralie Fargeat's film 'The Substance' confronts societal pressures on aging and beauty, highlighting the obsession with youth in Hollywood.
The integration of humor in body horror allows audiences to engage with disturbing themes in a more reflective and empowering way.
Deep dives
Impact of Star Wars on Filmmaking
The early experiences of moviegoers often shape their future tastes in film, as illustrated through the admiration for 'Star Wars' and its portrayal of rebellion. The protagonist discusses how the film transported them into a world of adventure and challenged conventional notions of princesses, particularly through Princess Leia, who embodies strength and defiance. This initial inspiration later evolved into a fascination with darker genres, revealing a journey from mainstream heroics to exploring themes of body horror. Such influences underscore the importance of narratives that resonate personally, as filmmakers often channel their childhood inspirations into their works.
Themes of Aging and Identity in 'The Substance'
The film 'The Substance' delves into the societal pressures surrounding aging, exploring the obsession with youth and beauty through the character of Elizabeth Sparkle, portrayed by Demi Moore. The narrative portrays Elizabeth's struggle with her identity as she undergoes a radical drug therapy that allows her to swap bodies with a younger version of herself, which raises profound questions about self-worth. This concept challenges conventional ideas about aging in Hollywood and illustrates how women feel pressured to maintain their appeal, often at the cost of their mental well-being. Through extreme and controversial storytelling, the film poignantly mirrors the societal realities that many women face as they navigate public perception and personal value.
The Duality of Humor and Horror
Despite its gruesome themes, 'The Substance' effectively incorporates humor to provide a unique perspective on the darker elements of body horror. The filmmaker argues that humor serves as a coping mechanism, allowing the audience to engage with disturbing realities without becoming overwhelmed. This strategic use of satire creates emotional distance while prompting viewers to reflect on the underlying messages about society's expectations. The balance of humor alongside horror invites audiences to confront their fears surrounding aging and body image in a thought-provoking manner, ultimately transforming a potentially traumatizing experience into a form of empowerment.
Writer/Director Coralie Fargeat's Cannes-winning body-horror blitz THE SUBSTANCE features Demi Moore as an aging star who turns to a mystery drug in hopes of becoming a better, younger version of herself. Fargeat tells host Rico Gagliano about casting Moore, why blood and guts are great metaphors, and the pain of makeup removal.
THE SUBSTANCE comes to theaters in the US, UK, Latin America, Germany, Canada and Netherlands on September 19 & 20. Visit trythesubstance.com for showtimes and tickets.
To stream some of the films we've covered on the podcast, check out the collection Featured on the MUBI Podcast. Availability of films varies depending on your country.
MUBI is a global streaming service, production company and film distributor dedicated to elevating great cinema. MUBI makes, acquires, curates, and champions extraordinary films, connecting them to audiences all over the world. A place to discover ambitious new films and singular voices, from iconic directors to emerging auteurs. Each carefully chosen by MUBI’s curators.
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