The Substance, a highly anticipated body horror film set to release in 2024, presents a gripping narrative on the struggles associated with aging in Hollywood. The story follows Elisabeth Sparkle, portrayed by Demi Moore, as she navigates the extremes she is willing to explore to maintain her youthful appearance. Opposite her is Margaret Qualley, known for her role in Maid. The film has garnered widespread acclaim, culminating in Moore winning a Golden Globe for Best Female Actor in a Musical or Comedy.
Margaret Qualley recently shared her experiences with the demanding prosthetics used in The Substance during an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. She opened up about the adverse effects these extensive makeup techniques had on her skin, leading to severe acne. Filming required adaptation as the production team found it necessary to work around her condition in scenes shot subsequent to the heavily prosthetic-laden sequences. Remarkably, the impact lingered into her next project, Kinds of Kindness.
“By the end of this shoot, I had like. Wait, did you see, you saw Kinds of Kindness? Okay, so, you know the character that has all that acne? That was just my acne from the prosthetics, and I was like, oh this is kind of perfect, I’m playing all these different characters, for one of them we’ll use all my crazy prosthetic acne. Yeah, like it took me probably like a year to recover like physically from all of it.”
“Like at the end, when they’re shooting up my skirt in the beginning credits, and it is like the palm trees all around, and they have all these long lens from the bottom, that’s just because my face was so fucked up by that time that they couldn’t like shoot my face anymore.”
Understanding the Role of Prosthetics in The Substance
The Transformation into Elisasue
The intricate prosthetics utilized in The Substance were pivotal to the film’s storytelling. A key moment occurs when Elisabeth and Sue merge into the creatures known as Elisasue. This grotesque transformation, characterized by a distorted, melted visage and additional anatomical features, stands as a defining image of the horror genre. Given the extensive nature of the application, it’s understandable that Qualley’s skin faced notable challenges during the filming process.
The dedication to prosthetic makeup has not gone unnoticed, as The Substance has been celebrated at various award ceremonies for its exceptional artistry. Looking ahead, the film is expected to compete at the upcoming Academy Awards, with nominations set to be announced on January 23, contingent upon any potential disruptions caused by the recent fires in Los Angeles. Despite facing stiff competition, including contenders like Nosferatu and A Different Man, the industry recognizes the effort put forth in The Substance.
Evaluating the Hair and Makeup in The Substance
The Value of Practical Effects in Filmmaking
The extreme lengths undertaken by the team behind The Substance to achieve its haunting effects showcase their commitment to practical effects. While the film does incorporate some CGI, many impactful scenes rely on tangible makeup effects, a refreshing choice in an era dominated by digital visuals. This dedication emphasizes the artistry involved in horror filmmaking, reviving a sense of authenticity that resonates with audiences.
For those interested in a deeper look at these discussions, visit the Happy Sad Confused Podcast for further insights.
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